External Form and Internal Anatomy of Holsteins and Jerseys

Abstract

12.5, 3.0 to 12.4, or <3.0% of inbreeding) declined. Skeletal dimensions were smallest in the >12.5% inbred group. Differences due to inbreeding were largest at 3 and 6 mo of age and in first lactation. Body heights and head dimensions were nearer to mature size at 3 and 6 mo than other measures. In both breeds, most rapid development was between 3 and 6 mo, but Jersey matured 1 to 2% faster. Age (2 to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 10, >10 yr) was significant for most postmortem measurements. Correlations among measures of external form were .30 to .93. Correlations between external form and internal features or between internal dimensions and organs were lower. External and internal features were positively correlated, but few external features showed strong enough association with internal features for use as predictors of size of organs, glands, or digestive capacity. © 1975, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.