Udder Scoring

Suspension and Teat Size

The ability to make genetic improvement in any trait is greatly enhanced through documented observations of that trait. This principle provided the foundation of Red Angus’ development of the udder scoring system. When implemented, this system will provide producers with valuable information to facilitate mating and culling decisions related to udder quality and its impact on a cowherd’s productive lifespan.

Red Angus’ two score system allows for the separate evaluation of udder suspension and teat size. Udder suspension scores are subjective assessments of udder support and range from 9 (very tight) to 1 (very pendulous). Teat size scores are subjective assessments of teat length and circumference and range from 9 (very small) to 1 (very large).

Use the following guidelines when collecting udder score data:

  • Udder scores should be taken within 24 hours after calving.
  • Use a cow’s “weakest” quarter to score teat size and udder suspension.
  • Age of the female should not be factored into her scores.
  • It’s best if the same person scores all females in each management group.

The value of visual data lies in the scorer’s consistency. Review the below images and assigned scores to develop your udder scoring ability.

Udder Suspension = 7
Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 5
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 6
     
Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 7 
     
Udder Suspension = 9 Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 8 Teat Size = 8
     
Udder Suspension = 6 Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 9
 Teat Size = 4 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 6
     
Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 5
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 4
     
Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 6 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7
     
Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 6
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7 
     
Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 5 Teat Size = 5
     
Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 5 Teat Size = 5
     
 Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 2 Udder Suspension = 2
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 2 Teat Size = 2
     
 Udder Suspension = 7  Udder Suspension = 5  Udder Suspension = 8
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 7 
     
Udder Suspension = 6  Udder Suspension = 4  Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 3 Teat Size= 4 Teat Size = 8
     
Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 6 Udder Suspension = 8
Teat Size = 5 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 8
     
Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 5 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 8 Teat Size = 6 Teat Size= 7
     
 Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 7 Udder Suspension = 6
Teat Size = 8 Teat Size = 8 Teat Size = 6
     
 Udder Suspension = 7  Udder Suspension = 8  Udder Suspension = 6
Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 5 Teat Size = 5
     
 Udder Suspension = 7  Udder Suspension = 7  Udder Suspension = 6
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7  Teat Size = 7 
     
 Udder Suspension = 8  Udder Suspension = 8 Udder Suspension = 7
Teat Size = 6 Teat Size = 7 Teat Size = 7
     
   
 Udder Suspension = 8    
Teat Size = 7

Ranchers’ Guide to Profit

Profitability of commercial operations is directly influenced by the ability of the cowherd to provide the optimum maternal environment in order for the calf crop to express its full genetic potential.

Udder Scoring Brochure