Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

Author: Michal Milerski

Title

Author

Types

Abstract

Keywords

Published

Pages

Volumes

Issues

DOI

Affiliation

Order by:

Select: All None Download:

Pavol Makovický Michal Milerski Peter Makovický All authors (7)

Pub. online: 21 Aug 2024 Type: Research Article

Open Access

Journal: Veterinarija ir Zootechnika Volume 81, Issue 2 (2023): Veterinarija ir Zootechnika, pp. 30–35

Abstract

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.