The importance of good pelvic structure for lifetime cow function

 

As we study skeletal structure in dairy cows, we should grasp how “three dimensional” pelvic capacity needs to be, for a cow to succeed in all these functional expectations:

The pelvis houses the mammary system
The dimensions of a productive and long-lasting UDDER depend on the cooperation of pelvic bones and the capacity they create.    All the supporting “girdle” to the udder (both center and multiple lateral ligaments) are suspended from the pelvic bones.    A level pelvis with a larger interior spread will help to keep the udder floor level for her entire productive life.

The pelvis contains the calving channel and aids in timely reproduction
Broad hips, wide thurls and “open” pins reduces the chances of a calf getting “stuck” during the delivery process.   Calving Ease really starts with a fully three dimensional pelvic bone structure.
The involution of the uterus after calving is enhanced when the pelvis has proper interior slope from hips to pins, and has allowed minimal trauma to all the interior muscles during parturition.

 
The pelvis is the anchoring point for the hind legs
Hind legs begin with their “thurl socket”, enclosing the swivel ball in the base of the pelvic bone formation.    When the thurls are “wide” it sets the legs out to the side from the body, minimize squeezing of the rear udder between legs that can abraid the udder ligments during movement.
The closer to “central” that thurl position is within the length of the pelvis, the better will be the weight bearing on the foot (minimizing uneven growth requring frequent hoof trimming).

The pelvis can aid in ease of rebreeding cows for their next calving
When thurls are too far back, the pins rise and hind legs kick out behind the cow.    This shifts rear end weight onto the loin, which is not designed to carry that added stress;  flattening the spine, leading to abraded or pinched nerves passing across the back to run rear end functions.
Cows with level pelvis, central thurl, straight spines, get through calving easier, recover faster for rebreeding, and when you have your arm inside to breed her you find the cervix where it needs to be for easier insemination.    

How does the “aAa” process aid you to consistently produce desired pelvic shape?

aAa #1 “DAIRY”  can make hips broader, setting up the forward pelvic dimensions.
aAa #2  “TALL”    helps to raise hips above pins, so you have the proper interior slope.
aAa #3  “OPEN”  helps to make the pelvis wider between thurls and pins for easier calving.

Mating selection can simultaneously increase milk check income potential and also extend the functional lifetime potential   IF you choose bulls in this way.

Inside you will find a discussion on shifting component selection in favor of more Protein while maintaining butterfat  (what traits to consider first).

You will also find a discussion on the importance of pelvic structures for all those functions we expect from a cow   (the most direct guides to make desired change)

It is in the nature of any commodity production, that the model that produces a commodity at the “least cost” generates profits, whereas trying to maximize yield generates increased costs;  incremental yield gains can cost more than they give us in profit.    We can apply genetic selection better to lower costs first, improve yields only as they can provide increased income at a below average cost.

 

Mich Livestock Service, Inc.   For the Best in Bulls -- and the forages to feed them
PO Box 661   Ovid  MI  48866   ph (989) 834- 2661    Your alternative to “generic”