ГОЛШТИН ТҰҚЫМДЫ СИЫРЛАРДАҒЫ ЭКСТЕРЬЕРЛІК БЕЛГІЛЕРДІ СЫЗЫҚТЫҚ БАҒАЛАУ
Abstract
Background and Objective. In dairy cattle breeding, conformation traits are important for assessing structural soundness, functional suitability, and the potential productive life of animals. The objective of this study was to perform a linear type evaluation of Holstein cows and compare the expression of major morphological traits across three dairy farms. Materials and Methods. The study included 721 first-lactation Holstein cows from Rza-Asyl Tulik LLP, Borte Milka LLP, and Zenchenko and Company Limited Partnership. Linear type evaluation covered 18 traits describing udder development, feet and legs, and overall body conformation. Animals were assessed by visual inspection between 30 and 150 days of lactation, 1–2 hours before milking. The data were statistically processed and presented as mean values (Х±Sm). Results. The studied cows generally showed the characteristic dairy type of the Holstein breed. The average composite conformation score was 78.7 ± 0.52 points, corresponding to the “Good” category. The mean udder composite score was 81.0 ± 0.47 points, the overall appearance score was 78.3 ± 0.44 points, and the feet and legs score was 74.9 ± 0.69 points. The highest composite score was recorded in cows from Rza-Asyl Tulik LLP (83.1 ± 0.26 points). Individual deviations from the optimal values were observed for udder depth, front teat placement, and hoof angle. Conclusion. Linear type evaluation demonstrated a sufficiently well-developed dairy conformation in Holstein cows from the studied farms. Differences between farms were associated with feeding, management conditions, and the organization of breeding work. The results can be used to refine animal selection and mating decisions aimed at improving conformation traits in dairy herdsformation traits in dairy herds