~ 589 ~ ISSN Print: 2617-4693 ISSN Online: 2617-4707 NAAS Rating (2025): 5.29 IJABR 2025; SP-9(7): 589-594 www.biochemjournal.com Received: 13-04-2025 Accepted: 16-05-2025 DA Patel Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India Dr. AK Srivastava Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India KJ Ankuya Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India SS Patil Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India HH Panchasara Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India JD Chaudhari Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India HA Patel Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India Corresponding Author: Dr. AK Srivastava Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India Studies on udder and teat shape in relation with milk production in indigenous Kankrej cows at organized herd DA Patel, AK Srivastava, KJ Ankuya, SS Patil, HH Panchasara, JD Chaudhari and HA Patel DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2025.v9.i7Sh.4940 Abstract An investigation was undertaken to assess the variation in udder and teat morphology and their association with test day milk yield in Kankrej cows. The study utilized 305 lactating Kankrej cows maintained at the Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar. The morphological characteristics of the udder and teats were visually inspected and their relationship with test day milk yield was evaluated. Among the various udder types observed, the bowl shape udder was most prevalent with 57.70%, followed by round (26.57%), pendulous (9.84%) and goaty shape (5.90%) udders. The cylindrical shape teats were most commonly observed with frequency of 56.06%, followed by funnel, pear and bottle shape teats with 24.91%, 15.73% and 3.28% frequency, respectively. The mean test day milk yield corresponding to different udder shapes was 9.61±0.37 kg for round, 9.32±0.54 kg for pendulous, 7.52±0.29 kg for bowl and 7.32±0.69 kg for goaty shape udders. Cows with round shape udders produced the highest milk yield, which was 31.28% more than those with goaty udders, 27.79% more than bowl-shape, and 3% more than pendulous udders. The differences in test day milk yield among the various udder shapes were highly significant (p<0.01), indicating a strong influence of udder conformation on milk production. Kankrej cows with pear shaped teats produced the highest milk yield, followed by funnel, cylindrical, and bottle shape teats, though the differences were non-significant. Milk yield increases with parity up to the fourth parity after which it tends to decline. Hence, dairy farmers may be advised to purchase the cows either in first or second lactation. It may be concluded from the present study that Kankrej cows with round shape udder and pear shaped teats produced significantly higher milk, hence cows with round shape udder, pear shaped teats and either in first or second lactation should be selected for improving milk production at dairy farm. Keywords: Morphology, test day milk yield, Kankrej, udder shape, teat shape Introduction The primary objective of selection in dairy cattle is to enhance milk yield. The udder of the cow plays a vital role in determining milking potential. In many parts of India, particularly in rural areas, local brokers and animal husbandry personnel often rely on udder conformation as the first criterion for assessing a cow’s milking ability. The shape of the udder plays a crucial role in the selection of high milk-yielding cattle, as variations in udder shape and size may be influenced by genetic heritability (Liebenberg and Jannermann, 1958) [10] . According to Tilki et al. (2005) [25] physiological characteristics of the udder and teats are critical for ensuring sustainable and high-quality milk production, further, udder and teat structures directly affect both productivity and udder health in dairy cows (Sinha et al., 2022). The morphometric traits and conformational features of the udder and teats are key factors in selecting animals for dairy purposes as these characteristics have a direct impact on milk yield (Bhuiyan et al., 2004) [3] . Kankrej is a breed of dual purpose zebu cattle. Total estimated population of Kankrej cattle in the country is 3028.3 thousand and the share of Kankrej cattle in total Indigenous cattle population is 2.0 percent (Srivastava et al., 2019) [23] . They are well adapted to the geo- climatic conditions of Saurashtra and Kutch, have immense draught power and are known for yielding good quantity of milk with high fat content even in stress conditions (Srivastava et al. 2023) [24] . International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research 2025; SP-9(7): 589-594