By Dr. Jackie Atkins and Emme Troendle

In the last year, the ASA added udder scores as an optional phenotype on Herdbook. The best time to assess udder scores is within 24 hours of calving, preferably by the same person. There are two scores to record, one for udder suspension and one for teat length. If variation exists between the quarters of the udder, record the weakest quarter.    Here are the Beef Improvement Federation guidelines for proper udder scoring: 

Udder Suspension and Teat Size Scores. Unsound udders and teats are associated with a reduced productive life and inferior calf performance. The scoring system described below is designed to help producers evaluate differences in udder and teat quality of beef cows.

(Click here for printable version of this graphic.)

How to Report Udder Scores on Herdbook In Herdbook, members record a two-digit number for udder and teat scores. The first digit represents the udder suspension, and the second digit represents the teat size. For example, if a cow has an intermediate udder suspension score of 5 and a large teat size score of 3, the member would enter 53 into the udder score column on Herdbook. 1. Log into Herdbook and start a job. (you can start a blank manual job or load your cows by season into a job)

• Prev
• Next