Multivariate Analysis of Production and Udder Morphometric Traits in Kankrej Cows Using Canonical Correlation Analysis
D. A. Patel *
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506, Gujarat, India.
A. K. Srivastava
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506, Gujarat, India.
J. D. Chaudhary
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506, Gujarat, India.
H. H. Panchasara
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Understanding the relationship between morphometric and production traits which is essential for improving dairy performance through genetic selection. The present study explores the multivariate relationships between udder morphometric characteristics and milk production traits in Kankrej cows using Canonical correlation analysis (CCA).
Sample: Data from 305 Kankrej cows maintained at the Livestock Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar, were analyzed to determine the canonical correlation between morphometric and production traits.
Study Design: Simple random sampling.
Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat during Apr-2024 to Mar-2025.
Methodology: Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed within and between the two trait sets. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) used to determine relationships between udder morphometric and milk production traits in Kankrej cows.
Results: CCA revealed that the first canonical correlation coefficient was 0.603 (p<0.01), indicating a significant multivariate association between udder morphometric and production traits. The first pair of canonical variates explained 36.4% of the shared variance. Within the production traits set, TDMY (Test day milk yield;-0.981) was the dominant contributor followed by lactose (-0.255) and SNF (Solid not fat;-0.185). In the udder morphometric traits set, UL (Udder length;-0.892), UW (Udder width;-0.818) and UD (Udder depth;-0.668) were the most influential contributor.
Conclusion: Udder morphometric traits viz., UL, UW and UD significantly impact test day milk yield and composition, making them valuable indicators for selection.
Keywords: Kankrej cow, production traits, udder morphometric traits, canonical correlation analysis