Naslov
Characteristics of the lactation Littoral Dinaric donkey in the pasture system of housing

Autori
Ramljak, Jelena ; Ivanković, Ante ; Kelava, Nikolina ; Baban, Mirjana ; Štulina, Ivana

Izvornik
Publication - European Association for Animal Production (0071-2477) 131 (2012); 255-260

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

Ključne riječi
Littoral Dinaric donkey ; lactation ; milk ; pasture system

Sažetak
Littoral Dinaric donkey is one of three autochthonous donkey breeds in Croatia, preserved mainly in mountainous hilly villages of Dalmatian Zagora. It belongs to the group of endangered breeds. By the size of its frame it belongs to the smallest donkey breeds in the world. In the past donkey has been used as working animal, but nowadays is used in free time, touristic purposes, and programs of field riding, meat and milk production. Some of Littoral Dinaric donkey breeders are orienting to donkey milk production through extensive production technologies. Due to modest lactation characteristics of Littoral Dinaric mares, the object of this study was to determine lactation characteristics of Littoral Dinaric mares’ milk production in extensive production system. Significant influence of lactation stage in Littoral Dinaric mares was found on milk yield, milk fat and protein content as well as on somatic cell count (P<0.01). No significant influence of lactation stage was found on lactose content in milk. Results of this study coincide partly with earlier researches, but observed lactation period as well as production results indicate that it is possible to produce higher milk yields by improving production technology and more considerable inclusion of smaller concentrate quantities in diet. Preliminary results of the research can be used in adjusting production technology of mares’ milk as valuable functional food.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Poljoprivreda (agronomija)

POVEZANOST RADA