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Does the udder size affect the volume of milk a female will produce? Or is it directly related to genetics/nutrition/health, etc.? In general, I have heard producers say that a cow with a big udder is a good milker, but I was taught in college that udder size is not an indicator of milking ability or milk volume.
Last Updated: February 28, 2008
Milk production in beef females is usually a function of genetics and nutrition. As an example, beef breeds that are known for milk production would include Simmental, Gelbvieh, Shorthorn, Red Poll, and Tarentaise as compared to Charolais, Limousin, and Chianina that are known for the amount of lean meat, retail product, production. There is variation within breeds with regard to milk production, but in general the breeds mentioned above have those characteristics. Nutrition can affect the amount of milk produced during lactation. If the female is underfed, milk production will be negatively impacted. Udder and mammary conformation can impact the volume of milk that the calf receives. Poor mammary gland suspension and large or balloon teats may impact the ability of the calf to nurse. Also, conditions such as mastitis, which is inflammation of the mammary gland, can impact milk volume and delivery.
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