Handling and milking frequency affect milk yield and behavior in dairy ewes

Abstract

The effects of human handling (friendly versus aversive) and milking frequency (once versus twice daily) on productive and behavioral parameters of two Greek dairy sheep breeds (Karagouniko and Chios) were examined. The experiment started a week after lamb weaning (50 ± 5 days after lamb birth) and lasted for ten weeks. Milk yield, milk flow rate and number of kick responses during milking were weekly recorded. Each milking was alternatively performed by a friendly or an aversive milker. At the end of 4th and 9th week, an isolation - flight distance test was also applied. As shown, Karagouniko ewes had lower daily milk yield but higher milk flow rate than Chios ewes. Higher milk yield was also observed in ewes milked twice compared to those milked once per day. Aversive handling increased the number of kick responses during milking and decreased milk yield. At the same time, ewes exhibited a preference for a specific position in the milking parlor. During the isolation - flight distance test, Karagouniko ewes bleated less, but had longer flight distances compared to Chios ones. Multiparous had a shorter flight distance than the primiparous ewes. Finally, ewes milked once per day displayed more jumps and less bleats compared to those milked twice. It is suggested that specific training programs targeted at the handling improvement with the intention to reduce fear responses could improve productivity in dairy ewes.