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.

A Study on Relationships Between Different Udder Measurements and Milk Yield Characteristics in Awassi Sheep

“…One of the features that may be related to milk yield is different udder characteristics. In different studies conducted with different sheep breeds, it has been reported that there are relationships between some udder sizes and milk yield characteristics (Afolayan et al, 2006;Shirzeyli et al, 2013;Özyürek, 2020). In this study, the relationships between different udder sizes and marketable milk yield were investigated in Awassi sheep.…”

Determination of udder and teat linear morphological traits in Awassi and Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) Ewes

“…In a study conducted by Kaygısız and Dağ [2] on Awassi ewes, type 1 (31%), type 2 (1%), type 3 (42%), type 4 (3%) and type 6 (23%) udders were identified. In a study conducted by Özyürek [14], 25% of the Awassi breed were found to have type 1 udder and the remaining had type 3 breasts. Similarly, type 1 and type 3 breasts were also found to be at a higher rate in this study (Table 2).…”

“…Many studies have been conducted on the Awassi breed examining the udder and teat characteristics and the relationships between them and the milk yield in particular [1,2,7,11,12,13,14,15]. However, similar studies on Bafra sheep [9,16] are observed to be insufficient and not widespread.…”

Udder morphology, and milk physicochemical structure in Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) ewes

“…In a study conducted by Özyürek [14], it was found that 23.5% of Morkaraman and 25% of Awassi have type I udder, while the others (15.35 ± 0.23 cm), udder floor height from ground (31.88 ± 0.70 cm), teat length-right (2.85 ± 0.09 cm), teat length-left (2.76 ± 0.09 cm), teat diameter-right (1.49 ± 0.03 cm) and teat diameter-left (1.43 ± 0.04 cm) was calculated (TABLE II).…”