MORPHOFUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE UDDER IN PUREBRED AND HOLSTEINIZED SIMMENTAL CATTLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE PEASANT FARM «BAGRATION-2»

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study on the morphofunctional properties of the udder in purebred and Holsteinized Simmental cattle kept under the conditions of the peasant farm «Bagration-2» in the Ulan district of the East Kazakhstan region. The research was conducted on three groups of animals (22 heads in each): purebred Simmentals (Group I), Holsteinized ½ Simmentals (Group II), and Holsteinized ¼ Simmentals (Group III). To study the morphological parameters of the udder, the following characteristics were evaluated: its shape (cup-shaped, rounded, goat-shaped), width, length, circumference, depth of the front and rear parts, as well as teat length, diameter, and inter-teat distance. Functional properties included an assessment of milk flow rate and udder index, which was calculated as the ratio of milk obtained from the front quarters of the udder to the total milk yield. Additionally, an analysis of the uniformity of udder development and its compliance with the requirements of machine milking was carried out. The study results revealed significant differences between the groups of cows, determined by the degree of Holsteinization. It was found that Holsteinized Simmentals demonstrate improved functional udder characteristics, such as a high milk flow rate and optimal anatomical parameters. These features contribute to increased efficiency of machine milking and a reduced risk of mastitis. The obtained data can be used to optimize breeding work aimed at improving the productive qualities of dairy cattle, as well as for developing recommendations on animal care and maintenance in farms across Kazakhstan.