The comparison of ewe udder morphology traits of Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune breeds and their crosses

Morphological udder traits are very important for dairy animals. During this experiment, morphological udder traits were subjectively assessed with the use of linear scores from selected ewes (381 ewes) belonging to nine genotypes based on the basis of Improved Valachian, Tsigai and Lacaune breeds (7 udder traits; using a scale of 9 points; 1275 statements for each trait) during the milking period from 2002 to 2008. Linear udder traits were: udder depth, cistern depth, teat position, teat size, udder cleft, udder attachment and udder shape. Collected data were processed with restricted methodology and maximal probability using a MIXED procedure from the SAS statistical package. During the research, all traits were influenced by the ewe genotype (P<0.001), furthermore, parity and stage of lactation had its effect as well. In most cases, crosses with 25 to 75 % share of dairy breeds, such as Lacaune and East Friesian, had larger udder cisterns than purebred Tsigai ewes and Improved Valachian breed. Inconvenient teat placement was found in the purebred Lacaune ewes, which, also, had the largest udders and cisterns among studied genotypes. Tsigai crossbreds and Improved Valachian breed, together with specialized dairy breeds had larger udders than purebred ewes (Tsigai and Improved Valachian breeds), but with negative placement of teat for milking. Compliances were statistically significant (P<0.001) due to influences on parameters for determining the size of udder (udder depth, cistern depth, teat size and udder attachment). In conclusion, udder depth, teat position and teat size may be used as suitable characteristics for marker selection, to improve milking ability of listed breeds.