A syndrome with lack of udder developments in a high-yielding Jersey herd

A syndrome with lack of udder development in a high-yielding jersey herd is described. The syndrome first appeared in the herd about 10 years ago. To try to elucidate this syndrome the endocrine pattern visualized by serum estrogen (Fig. 1) and progesterone (Fig. 2) levels was followed in 12 parturient cows. One case of typical lack of udder development appeared and was followed up by slaughter and pathological and histological examinations (Fig. 3 and 4). Pedigree investigations indicated that genetics could be involved in the syndrome. The endocrine pattern observed combined with the lack of udder development seems to indicate a complex disorder in the hormonal regulation which trigger the maternal preparation and initiation of parturition.