Udder quality may not always sit at the top of a producer’s selection checklist, but overlooking it can compromise calf performance from day one, according to experts from the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute (BCI).
Speaking on a recent BCI Cattle Chat podcast, the specialists stressed that while the importance of udder traits can vary by operation, certain structural issues should be considered red flags in any herd.
“Large teats can be very frustrating, and they can make it extremely difficult for a calf to nurse,” said Dr Bob Larson, veterinarian at K-State. “If a calf struggles to latch on and doesn’t get adequate colostrum early, you’re starting that calf off at a disadvantage.”
Poor udder attachment and oversized teats can delay nursing, reduce colostrum intake, and increase the risk of illness or mortality in newborn calves. These challenges can also raise labour demands, particularly when producers must intervene to help calves nurse shortly after birth.
While udder scoring systems are available, Larson cautioned against relying on scores alone when making selection decisions.
“Udder scoring can be subjective, depending on who is doing the evaluation,” he said. “I prefer to focus on what I see in terms of actual function and performance.”
The panel noted that udder quality is moderately heritable, meaning cows with poor udder structure are more likely to produce daughters with similar problems. This makes udder evaluation especially important when selecting replacement heifers.
“I’m not a fan of keeping females with udder issues,” said Dr Chris Lancaster. “Those problems rarely improve with age and often create repeat challenges every calving season.”
Dr Brad White, another BCI veterinarian, added that while udder quality may not be a primary selection criterion in every herd, it should not be ignored.
“Udder traits aren’t critical in all production systems,” White said. “But in low-input operations or herds with limited labour, udder quality can become very important.”
The experts agreed that no single trait should determine selection decisions. However, udders that interfere with a calf’s ability to nurse effectively should be taken seriously. Producers are encouraged to assess udder quality within the context of their management system, environment, and long-term herd goals.
