Morphological characterization of udder and teat traits in Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, and crossbred dairy goats in Kenya

Abstract

Udder and teat morphological characteristics critically influence dairy goat productivity, yet data on Kenyan breeds remain scarce. This study characterized udder and teat traits, a key productivity determinant, in four major dairy goat breeds, Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg, crossbreeds, across Kenya’s production systems. A cross-sectional study assessing 181 lactating does from 56 farms in rural, institutional, and urban settings. Udder symmetry, shape, suspension, depth, teat length, placement, shape, end shape, and separation were evaluated per standardized protocols. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact test with Cramér’s V, and correlation tests in R. Alpines (41%) exhibited the longest teats (5.2 ± 2.0 cm) and highest prevalence of udder asymmetry (48%) among all the studied breeds. Toggenburgs had the deepest udders (11.2 ± 2.9 cm); udder depth refers to the distance measured from the udder floor to the hock joint, and most attached suspensions (45%). Globular (48%) and pear-shaped (40%) udders predominated, with crossbreeds showing the highest prevalence of globular udders (55%). Udder suspension significantly influenced depth (p = 0.0058), with loose-suspended udders shallower (8.53 ± 4.09 cm) than attached types (11.7 ± 2.57 cm). Teat length weakly correlated with udder depth (ρ = -0.19, p = 0.01). Key trait interdependencies emerged: symmetrical udders linked to globular shapes (p = 0.008); severe teat separation associated with oblique placement (p < 0.001); and teat shape influenced teat-end morphology (p = 0.013). Breed-specific udder morphology patterns exist in Kenyan dairy goats, with significant inter-trait relationships. Alpine’s high asymmetry and Toggenburg’s superior udder attachment highlight breeding targets. Integrating udder suspension, symmetry, and teat placement into future dairy goat selection programs could enhance milking efficiency and management.