Good and homogenous udder morphology of dairy ewes is desirable for good milkability,
udder health and animal welfare, especially if machine milking is in use. We evaluated the udder
morphology and milkability of 286 ewes of eight genotypes (Tsigai, Improved Valachian, Lacaune
breeds and 5 types of their crosses). The aim was to obtain an overview of the most important parameters
to be evaluated for breeding dairy sheep breeds. The following traits were evaluated on a 9-point linear
scale: udder depth, cistern depth, teat position, teat size, udder cleft, udder attachment and general
udder shape. Selected parameters that characterise the milk yield and milkability of ewes were also
recorded in individual control measurements: amount of machine milked in 30 and 60 seconds, machine
milk yield, machine stripping, total milk yield and percentage thereof. Linear evaluation and precise
udder measurements showed that Tsigai and Improved Valachian ewes had smaller udders with smaller
cisterns and a better teat position than Lacaune ewes. The proportion of machine stripping (PMS) was
best (lowest value) in the Improved Valachian ewes (26.0%) among the purebred breeds, followed by the
Tsigai ewes (27.2%), and it was found to be highest in the purebred Lacaune ewes (36.3%). PMS was
significantly influenced by teat size (r = 0.177 and 0.113, respectively; P < 0.001), udder attachment
(r = −0.205; P < 0.001) and general udder shape (r = −0141; P < 0.001). From the study, it could
be concluded that in Slovakia it will be necessary to additionally use data from linear udder evaluation
(mainly udder depth, teat position, teat size and udder attachment) for breeding of dairy sheep breeds.
Open Access