Introduction

As the beef industry strives to become more competitive, producers are analyzing any and all inputs in an attempt to keep expenses under control. One aspect of this has been a more critical evaluation of the functional soundness of their cow herds. This can be likened to a "cow herd production quality audit". Why? Because a cow that isn't problem-free costs extra time and labor. Many refer to functional characteristics as convenience traits. Others call them necessities. It's a fact that the most profitable operators are running their cows with less labor than ever before, making it even more essential that cows get it done without extra care.

Udder and teat quality are two of the most important functional traits. Udder and teat soundness are a concern for a number of reasons: 1) labor associated with extra costs and reduced convenience; 2) longevity, which may be reduced because of injury or mastitis; 3) calf performance, affected by a reduction in milk flow, or lower colostrum intake by newborn calves having difficulty nursing oversized teats; and 4) udder and teat characteristics appear to be heritable. This means that there definitely is variation in the udder quality of daughters from different sire groups. Thus, change can be made through selection.

Seeing a need to give Gelbvieh breeders a tool for evaluating udder and teat quality, the AGA Productivity Committee approved an udder scoring system that includes two categories, teat size and udder suspension. The concept is based on a linear-type scoring system ranging from 0 to 50, developed by the American Holstein Association. Given in the table below is a breakdown of the scores for teat size and udder suspension.

Since unveiling this system in the new AGA calving books, several questions have arisen. A few of those questions are given at the bottom of this page.

Example Diagrams of Different Teat Size and Suspension Scores
Teat Size		Suspension
	45
	35
	25
	15
	05

Common Questions

1. When is the best time to score cows?

The best time to score cows is within 24 hours after the calf is born. If the cow is going to have problems with udder quality, it typically will show up when she first freshens. In addition, this time is most convenient because udder scoring can be done along with tattooing, tagging and weighing the calf. If you wait until the cow's udder is nursed out, teat size in particular cannot be accurately scored.

2. How do I record the information?

The American Gelbvieh Association has developed a new calving book which includes space for recording udder scores, as well as having illustrations representing the different udder scores that can be used for reference. Calving books may be purchased from the AGA office for $1.00 each.  

3. Do I consider the age of the cow?

Udder quality will usually decline with age, however, age should not be considered when scoring udders. It is best to score the udders as they are regardless of the age of the cow.

4. What good is a subjective score?

Some people have expressed concern about variation in scoring between herds. However, as long as scores within a herd are consistent, the data may be used for sire evaluation. If more than one person, within a farm or ranch are doing the udder scoring, it is important that they be as comparable as possible.

5. How do I send the data to the AGA?

Scores may be reported on the AGA performance report forms. The Gelbvieh HerdTrack Program is also set up to  report udder scores.

6. What will the AGA do with the data?

Once an adequate amount of udder scoring information has been gathered in the AGA performance data base, it will be possible to generate EPDs based on the scores. If enough data are submitted to the AGA, udder score EPDs will be generated within three to five years.

7. Isn't the scoring system a little complicated?

Actually, the system is fairly simple. Just remember that the scores range from 0 to 50 for both teat size and suspension. The higher the number, the smaller the teat size and the tighter the suspension. A score of 25 is intermediate. If it helps, you can think in terms 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Just add a zero when you write the score in your book-so, a 1 becomes 10, a 2 becomes 20, etc. Also, use the illustrations as guidelines. Remember they are reproduced in the AGA calving books for your convenience.

8. What is more important, teat circumference or teat length?

In general, teat circumference will cause problems much more often than teat length. Short teats are preferred but long teats normally do not create difficulty for a calf provided the circumference is not excessively large. Scoring should consider circumference only.

9. How do you assign a score when the teat size varies?

Since the largest teat is most likely to create a problem, assign the teat size score based on the largest teat.

10. How do udder scores relate to milk production?

Teats and udders should be scored without regard for the cow's milk production. The scoring system is intended solely for evaluating udder and teat soundness. Calf weaning weights are the best estimates of milk production.