Naslov
Machine milking of Istrian dairy crossbreed ewes: udder morphology and milking characteristics

Autori
Džidić, Alen ; Kapš, Miroslav ; Bruckmaier, Rupert

Izvornik
Small Ruminant Research (0921-4488) 55 (2004), 1-3; 183-189

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Dairy ewes; Udder traits; Milking characteristics

Sažetak
The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in udder morphology and milking characteristics between Istrian dairy crossbreeds. A total of sixty three Istrian dairy crossbreed ewes (twelve crosses with 75% Istrian and 25% Awassi, IAI ; fourteen crosses with 25% Istrian, 25% Awassi and 50% East Friesian, IAEF ; and thirty-seven crosses with 50% Istrian and 50% Awassi, IA) were used in the experiment. Ewes were milked twice daily up to day 149 of lactation. Thereafter, they were milked once a day until the end of lactation (150 to 250 d). Udder morphology was evaluated in mid-lactation (90 to 120 d). The traits measured were udder volume, teat length, and teat angle. Milk flow recordings by using an especially calibrated mobile system for ewe milking (Lactocorder) were performed in early (month 2), mid (month 3-4) and late (month 6-7) lactation. Overall milk yield was 292+/-10 kg during 203+/-4 d of lactation in all crosses. Average daily yield was 1.4+/-0.1, 1.4+/-0.1 and 1.6+/-0.1 kg/d for IAI, IA and IAEF crosses, respectively. Milk flow curves with one peak were mainly present in IAEF crosses, while IAI and IA crosses had an equal distribution of milk flow curves with one and two clearly separated peaks. Milk flow curves with diffuse shape and peak flow rate below 0.4 kg/min were equally low in all animals (8 to 11 %). Udder traits in all animals were 1.2+/-0.1 l, 3.3+/-0.1 cm, and 46+/-1 deg for udder volume, teat length, and teat angle, respectively. Milking characteristics were 1.7+/-0.4 min, 0.6+/-0.2 kg, 0.7+/-0.2 kg/min and 0.4+/-0.1 kg/min for milking time, milk yield, peak flow rate and average flow rate, respectively. Milking characteristics were mostly positively correlated (P<0.001), except for milking time and average flow rate (r=-0.30, P<0.05). Moreover, udder volume was positively and significantly (P<0.001) correlated with all milking characteristics. Peak flow rate tended (P=0.08) to be higher in IAEF compared to IAI crosses. Udder volume increased with lactation number. Istrian dairy ewe crosses are well adapted to machine milking. The milk production tended to be higher in IAEF crosses compared to IA and IAI crosses.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

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