Relationship between Conformation Traits and Lifetime Production Efficiency of Cows

Abstract

Analysis was made of the relationship between conformation traits and lifetime production efficiency of the cows that first calved in 2000 and represented the active population in the Pomorze and Kujawy regions of Poland. The CORR Pearson procedures of SAS package were used in the statistical calculations. It was found that there is a statistically significant relationship, weak or low on the Guilford scale, between conformation traits and lifetime production efficiency of the cows, which is slightly higher for milk yield than for longevity. The type and conformation traits appear to be more suitable than the detailed traits for predicting the lifetime production efficiency of cows. Lifetime performance was most strongly related to the overall score and udder score (r=0.22), followed by the scores for type and conformation and legs and feet (r=0.13), and detailed traits such as udder width and dairy character (r=0.14). The highest positive effect on longevity was exerted by udder score and legs and feet (r=0.11) and among detailed traits by udder placement (r=0.14) and fore udder attachment (r=0.10).