Factors Influencing Milk Yield During Lactation of D’man Ewes in its Cradle in Algeria

Abstract

A study was conducted at the National Institute of Agricultural Research (Adrar station) between 2017 and 2019 to assess the milk yield potential of prolific D’man ewes. A total of 210 daily milk production records from (of) 21 D’man ewes were collected during three successive lambings with the weighing method before and after feeding followed by manual milking. In addition, the effects of birth type, lambing rank, birth season and weight of ewes to the struggle (at breeding) on milk production were analyzed. The least-squares averages of daily and total milk production of D’man ewes were 0.85 ± 0.03 kg and 59.1 ± 0.96 kg, respectively, and the highest daily milk yield was observed in the second week of lactation. Ewes suckling more than two lambs had the highest milk yield. Indeed, ewes with triplets or more (+57.3%) and twins (+22.1%) have a significantly higher milk yield (P<0.01) than ewes nursing single lambs. The effect of the other factors was not significant on milk production of D’man ewes. It can be concluded that increasing the quantity of milk produced per ewe according to the number of lambs suckled will help to make the most of multiple lambings thanks to a low mortality rate and improved growth, especially during the first month of lactation.