Investigation of Relationship between Udder Morphology, Lactation Traits and Milk Components in Morkaraman and Awassi

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between lactation traits, milk components and udder morphology in Morkaraman which accounts for approximately 21% of sheep raised in Turkey and was also used by some breeders for milk yield and Awassi sheep. 34 Morkaraman and 32 Awassi sheep were used in this study. Udder measurements were taken once in the middle lactation period (50-65 days of lactation) 2 hours before milking. Electronic caliper was used for measurements. Milk samples were taken every 15 days after birth to determine lactation traits and milk composition. While breed had statistically significant effect on lactation milk yield and lactation length, age had statistically significant effect on all of lactation traits (p<0.05). Breed and udder type had no statistical effect on any milk component. 23.5% of Morkaraman and 25% of Awassi have type I udder, while the others have type III udder. In contrast to Morkaraman, positive correlation was found between udder circumference and both lactation milk yield and daily average milk yield and also between udder lenght and both lactation milk yield and daily average milk yield in Awassi. There was more correlation between udder traits and lactation characteristics in Awassi compared to Morkaraman. Although udder type had no significant effect on lactation traits, it was determined that type I udder may be more suitable for machine milking in terms of udder size. New studies on the rate of milking from the alveoli and cistern area in machine milking are recommended.