Relationships of Milkability Traits to Udder Characteristics, Milk Yield and Somatic Cell Count in Jersey Cows

Abstract

To determine the relationships between milkability traits (MT) and some characteristics obtained, from udder measurements, udder scores, milk yield traits and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk a total of 195 Jersey cows reared at Karakoy State Farm, Turkey were used. Effects of parity (P), stage of lactation (SL) and milk yield level (MY) were significant on test day milk yield (TDMY). Negative or positive correlations were observed between udder traits and TDMY, milking speed (MS) or milking duration (MB). Besides, positive correlations were observed between MT and MY, and a positive correlation was found between SCC and MD. Thus, determined correlations indicated considerable criteria for breeder selection in dairy cows.