EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT ON UDDER AND TEAT MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF BUNAJI COWS IN KADUNA STATE

Abstract

A study was conducted to look at the effect of environment on udder and teat morphometric traits of Bunaji (White Fulani) cows in Kaduna State. A total of 214 Bunaji cows were sampled in three (3) local government areas of Kaduna State, namely; Kaduna North (KN), Kubau (KU) and Zango Kataf (ZK). The udder and teat parameters measured were; udder circumference, udder length, udder depth, udder width, teat length, teat diameter, distance between fore teats, distance between the hind teats
and distance between the fore and hind teats. All the parameters with the exception of teat diameter were measured using measuring tape in centimeters. Data collected were subjected to Duncan Multiple Range Test modelled in statistical package. The results obtained showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the udder and teat parameters measured and the values ranges from 44.43±0.80- 10.73±0.35 and 7.49±0.27-1.01±0.02, respectively for all the udder and teat morphometric linear
measurement taken. It can be concluded that environment has effect on udder and teat morphometric traits in Kaduna State and this gives information on how environment influences performance of animals.