Genomic and Phenotypic Udder Evaluation for Dairy Cattle Selection: A Review

Genomic and phenotypic selection criteria have been crucial in dairy cattle during the last decade. Udder health and milk production are important factors affecting productivity in dairy cattle. Furthermore, genomic and phenotypic selection are essential tools for increasing milk supply for human consumption, decreasing the use of antimicrobial products, improving animal health and welfare, and developing efficient dairy cattle production systems. The main aim of the present review is to explore the current advances, novel strategies, and future challenges in genomic and phenotypic udder evaluation traits for dairy cattle selection. Thus, the present review will explain the importance of genomic and phenotypic characterization of udder traits related to dairy cattle’s health, production, and longevity. This review will encompass a comprehensive overview of the criteria for genomic and phenotypic udder evaluation and highlight potential future perspectives.

The traditional point of view regarding dairy cattle selection has been challenged by recent genomic studies indicating that livestock productivity prediction can be redefined based on the evaluation of genomic and phenotypic data. Several studies that included different genomic-derived traits only indicated that interactions among them or even with conventional phenotypic evaluation criteria require further elucidation. Unfortunately, certain genomic and phenotypic-derived traits have been shown to be secondary factors influencing dairy production. Thus, these factors, as well as evaluation criteria, need to be defined. Owing to the variety of genomic and phenotypic udder-derived traits which may affect the modern dairy cow functionality and conformation, a definition of currently important traits in the broad sense is indicated. This is essential for cattle productivity and dairy sustainability. The main objective of the present review is to elucidate the possible relationships among genomic and phenotypic udder evaluation characteristics to define the most relevant traits related to selection for function and conformation in dairy cattle. This review aims to examine the potential impact of various udder-related evaluation criteria on dairy cattle productivity and explore how to mitigate the adverse effects of compromised udder conformation and functionality. Specifically, we will consider the implications for udder health, welfare, longevity, and production-derived traits. Subsequently, we will address several concerns covering the application of genomic and phenotypic evaluation criteria with emphasis on udder-related traits in dairy cattle selection as well as its evolution from origins to the present and future prospects.