ASSESSMENT OF MILK PRODUCTION AND QUALITY IN SOHAGI EWES AT DIFFERENT PARITIES AND LACTATION STAGES UNDER INTENSIVE FARMING SYSTEMS

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess milk production and quality in Sohagi ewes at different parities and lactation stages under intensive farming systems. Forty single-born Sohagi ewes (8 ewes / each parity, from 1st to 5th) were used, daily ration of ewes consisted of 60 % concentrate mixture and 40 % Egyptian clover and wheat straw as roughage, diets were offered to the ewes to meet their daily requirements. Milk yield, fat corrected milk (FCM6.5 %), and milk components (fat, protein, lactose, total solids, solids not fat and ash) were recorded and estimates weekly for 15 weeks of lactation. Results revealed that the lactation stage had significant (P < 0.05) effects on daily milk yield, FCM6.5 %, and fat, protein, SNF, and total solids contents, mid-lactation had the highest value (1051.6 and 984.3 ml/d) followed by earlylactation (986.1 and 944.5 ml/d) and latelactation had the lowest values (730 and 702.7 ml/d). Milk fat, protein, SNF, and total solids were higher (P < 0.05) at earlyand late-lactation than at mid-lactation. Daily milk yield, FCM6.5 %, and fat, protein, SNF, and total solids contents were increased significantly (p < 0.05) with advancing in parity number of ewes until 4th parity, then decreasing at 5th parity. A significant (P < 0.01) and positive correlations were found between the parity number and daily milk yield, FCM6.5 % and milk contents of fat, protein, SNF and total solids. Finally, the milk production and quality of Sohagi ewes of higher parities have improved, and their use under intensive farm systems will improve the incomes of the breeders. Also, Sohagi ewes have a potential ability to produce milk, which is suitable for dairy products manufacture, which may represent a modern approach to improve the value chain for dairy processing in Upper Egypt, which often depends on milk from cows and buffaloes. Keys word: Sohagi ewes, parity, lactation stage, milk yield, milk composition.