Supernumerary teats in Ghanaian livestock: II. Cattle

In 988 heads of cattle of all age groups and both sexes of various breeds and crosses at location near Legon/Accra the occurrence of supernumerary teats was studied. They were found to be more frequent in Sokoto Gudale and mixed Zebus (21 and 27%) than in the West African Shorthorn and N'Dama (8 and 6%). Crosses of these breeds with Friesian also had a higher prevalence than those with Jersey. There were significantly more caudal supernumerary teats (16%) than intercalary (2%) and ramal (1.5%). Bulls had fewer supernumerary teats than female cattle.