Effect of parity on changes in udder traits, milk yield and composition of West African dwarf sheep during lactation
E. O. Adegoke A D E , N. S. Machebe A B , A. G. Ezekwe A and O. B. Agaviezor C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
B Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, College of Agriculture, Kinki University, Nakamachi, Nara, Japan.
C Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, University of Portharcourt, Nigeria.
D Department of Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
E Corresponding author. Email: unconquerablesayo@gmail.com
Animal Production Science 57(6) 1047-1057 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN15241
Submitted: 17 May 2015 Accepted: 3 March 2016 Published: 17 June 2016
Abstract
Twelve West African Dwarf sheep, comprising four ewes in each of the Parities 1, 2 and 3, were used to determine the effect of parity on udder traits during lactation, milk yield and composition. Udder length, udder width, udder circumference, udder volume, teat length, teat width, teat circumference, distance between the teats and teat height from the ground of sheep were measured in centimetres (cm) weekly for 12 weeks of lactation, commencing from Day 4 postpartum. Parity highly influenced (P < 0.05) udder traits, except udder volume (P > 0.05). The udder length, width and circumference were higher (P < 0.05) in Parity-3 ewes than Parity-1 and -2 ewes. A similar trend was shown for teat length, width and circumference. Parity had no effect (P > 0.05) on udder volume, but significantly (P > 0.05) affected distance between the teats and teat height from the ground. With the exception of udder volume, all traits peaked by the 3rd week of lactation, and gradually declined thereafter. Milk yield and milk weight peaked by the 3rd week postpartum and these were higher for ewes in Parity 3. Milk yield and milk weight declined faster in ewes in Parities 1 and 2 than they did in Parity-3 ewes (P < 0.05) as lactation length increased. In regard to milk composition, moisture, protein and fat, but not total solid, solid-not-fat and lactose, were greater (P < 0.05) in Parity-3 ewes both at peak milk yield (3rd week of lactation) and end of lactation. From these findings, we conclude that parity type plays a significant role in influencing udder traits, milk yield and milk quality in ewes.
Additional keywords: endocrine, lactose, mammary tissue, postpartum.
References
Adewumi OO, Ahmed AA (2013) The effect of fiber–protein levels on milk parameters, linear body measurements and udder dimensions of West African dwarf sheep at first lambing. Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology S11:007| The effect of fiber–protein levels on milk parameters, linear body measurements and udder dimensions of West African dwarf sheep at first lambing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Adewumi OO, Olorunnisomo AO (2009) Milk yield and milk composition of West African dwarf, Yankasa and crossbred sheep in southwest of Nigeria. Livestock Research for Rural Development 21, Article #42
Adewumi OO, Ologun AG, Alokan JA (2001) Sensory evaluation and marketability of sheep milk in Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries 2, 5–7.
AOAC (1995) ‘Official methods of analysis.’ 16th edn. (Association of Official Analytical Chemists: Washington, DC)
Bayer W (1986) Traditional small ruminant production in sub-humid zone of Nigeria. In ‘Livestock system research in Nigeria sub humid zone. Proceedings of the 2nd ILCA/NAPRI symposium’, Kaduna, Nigeria, 29 October – 2 November 1984. (Eds R Von Kanfmann, S Chartc, R Blench) pp. 141–166. (ILCA: Ethiopia)
Bencini R, Pulina G (1997) The quality of sheep milk: a review. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 37, 485–504.
| The quality of sheep milk: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Breinholt KA, Growen FA, Nwosu CC (1981) Influence of environmental and animal factors on day night grazing activity of imported Holstein–Friesian cows in the humid lowland tropics of Nigeria. Tropical Animal Production 6, 4–7.
Cappio-Borlino A, Portolano B, Todaro M, Macciotta NPP, Giaccone P, Pulina G (1997) Lactation curves of Valle del Belice dairy ewes for yields of milk, fat, and protein estimated with test day models. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 3023–3029.
| Lactation curves of Valle del Belice dairy ewes for yields of milk, fat, and protein estimated with test day models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXnsFWit7Y%3D&md5=5259dffe754768907fcee3641f941098CAS | 9406096PubMed |
Casoli C, Duranti E, Morbidini L, Panella F, Vizioli V (1989) Quantitative and compositional variations of Massese sheep milk by parity and stage of lactation. Small Ruminant Research 2, 47–62.
| Quantitative and compositional variations of Massese sheep milk by parity and stage of lactation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chukwuka OK, Okoli IC, Okeudo NJ, Opara MN, Herbert U, Ogbuewu IP, Ekenyem BU (2010) Reproductive potentials of West African dwarf sheep and goat. Research Journal of Veterinary Sciences 3, 86–100.
| Reproductive potentials of West African dwarf sheep and goat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ciappesoni CG, Pribyl J, Milerski M, Mares V (2004) Factors affecting goat milk yield and its composition. Czech Journal of Animal Science 49, 465–473.
Dahl GE, Buchanan BA, Tucker HA (2000) Photoperiodic effects on dairy cattle: a review. Journal of Dairy Science 83, 885–893.
| Photoperiodic effects on dairy cattle: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXivFWltLc%3D&md5=0653b25a1d8b716bea7c0848129cb606CAS | 10791806PubMed |
Dario C, Laudadio V, Bufano G (1995) Characteristics of Leccese sheep. II. Quantitative and qualitative variations in milk during lactation. Latte 20, 1266–1269.
Dijkstra C, France J, Dhanoe MS, Maas JA, Hanigan MD, Rook AJ, Beever ED (1997) A model to describe growth pattern of the mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 2340–2354.
| A model to describe growth pattern of the mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXntFems7c%3D&md5=a6e35bd9b206e104a13f7a1cb19b13a6CAS |
Emediato RMS, Siqueira ER, Stradiotto MM, Maestá SA, Fernandes S (2008) Relationship between udder measurements and milk yield in Bergamasca ewes in Brazil. Small Ruminant Research 75, 232–235.
| Relationship between udder measurements and milk yield in Bergamasca ewes in Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Energy Research Centre, UNN (2008) ‘Annual weather record of University of Nigeria, Nsukka.’ (University of Nigeria: Nsukka, Nigeria)
Fenyvessy J, Sirokman K, Varro G (1991) Fatty acid and amino acid composition changes in ewe milk during lactation and milking. Elelmezesi Ipar 45, 23–26.
Giuseppe P, Anna N, Nicolo PPM, Gianni B, Stefania F, Cristiana P (2005). Non-nutritional strategies to improve lactation persistency in dairy ewes. In ‘Proceedings of the 11th annual Great Lakes dairy sheep symposium’, 3–5 November 2005, Burlington, Vermont, USA. pp. 29–38.
IDF (1996) ‘Production and utilisation of ewe and goat milk. Proceedings, IDF Seminar, October 19–21, 1995, Crete, Greece.’ (International Dairy Federation Publication: Brussels)
Iñiguez L, Hilali M, Thomas DL, Jesry G (2009) Udder measurements and milk production in two Awassi sheep genotypes and their crosses. Journal of Dairy Science 92, 4613–4620.
| Udder measurements and milk production in two Awassi sheep genotypes and their crosses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19700724PubMed |
Izadifard J, Zamiri MJ (1997) Lactation performance of two Iranian fat-tailed sheep breeds. Small Ruminant Research 24, 69–76.
| Lactation performance of two Iranian fat-tailed sheep breeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
James IJ, Osinowo OA (2004) Changes in udder size and live weight of West African dwarf, Red Sokoto, and Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 31, 119–129.
Kahtuei RM, Shahneh AZ, Sharebabak MM (2008) Lactation performance and suckling lamb growth of Kermani fat-tailed ewe. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 7, 1575–1578.
Knight CH, Wilde CJ (1993) Mammary cell changes during pregnancy and lactation. Livestock Production Science 35, 3–9.
| Mammary cell changes during pregnancy and lactation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kominakis AP, Papavasiliou D, Rogdakisa E (2009) Relationships among udder characteristics, milk yield and, non-yield traits in Frizarta dairy sheep. Small Ruminant Research 84, 82–88.
| Relationships among udder characteristics, milk yield and, non-yield traits in Frizarta dairy sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Legarra A, Ugarte E (2005) Genetic parameters of udder traits, somatic cell score and milk yield in Latxa sheep. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 2238–2245.
| Genetic parameters of udder traits, somatic cell score and milk yield in Latxa sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXksFyru7s%3D&md5=15b913866fa3b4a810853e231e38af1aCAS | 15905453PubMed |
Makovický P, Nagy M, Makovický P (2013) Comparison of external udder measurements of the sheep breeds Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their crosses. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 73,
| Comparison of external udder measurements of the sheep breeds Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their crosses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Martínez ME, Calderón C, de la Barra R, Fernando de le Fuente L, Gonzalo C (2011) Udder morphological traits and milk yield of Chilota and Suffolk Down sheep breeds. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 71, 90–95.
| Udder morphological traits and milk yield of Chilota and Suffolk Down sheep breeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mavrogenis AP, Papachristoforou C, Lysandrides P (1988) Environmental and genetic factors affecting udder characters and milk production in Chios sheep. Genetics, Selection, Evolution. 20, 477–488.
| Environmental and genetic factors affecting udder characters and milk production in Chios sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC38fpvVCnsg%3D%3D&md5=a80b3eea1381a41986d120ba560eb9aeCAS |
Mavrogenis AP, Papachristoforou C, Lysandrides P, Roushias A (1989) Environmental and genetic effects of udder characteristics and milk production in Damascus goats. Small Ruminant Research 2, 333–343.
| Environmental and genetic effects of udder characteristics and milk production in Damascus goats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Merkhan KY (2014) Milk traits and their relationship with udder measurements in Awassi ewes. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 4, 521–526.
Milersk M, Mares V (2001) Analysis of systematic factors affecting milk production in dairy goat. Acta University of Agriculture et Silviculture. Mendel. Brun (Brno). 1, 43–50.
Mwaura SM, Akinsoyinu AO (2010) Calcium and phosphorus in milk of Yankasa ewes as influenced by stages of lactation. Journal of Applied Biosciences 26, 1623–1630.
Nezamidoust M, Razzaghzadeh S, Ezati E, Ghorbani R (2015) Impact of oxytoxin-milking method on lactation performance and lactation length of sheep. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science 5, 105–113.
NRC (1985) ‘Nutrition requirement of sheep.’ (National Academy Press: Washington, DC)
Nuru S (1985) Trends in small ruminant production in Nigeria. In ‘Proceedings of national conference on small ruminant production’, NAPRI, Shika, Nigeria, 6–10 March 1985, pp. 36–48. (National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI): Shika)
Ofomata GEK (1975) Soil erosion. In ‘Nigeria in maps. Eastern states.’ (Ed. GEK Ofomata) pp. 43–45. (Ethiopia Publication House: Benin City, Ethiopia)
Okonkwo SI, Akubuo CO (2007) Trombe wall system for poultry brooding. International Journal of Poultry Science 6, 125–130.
| Trombe wall system for poultry brooding.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Onwuka GC (1999) ‘Analytical techniques and instrumentation.’ (Naphthali Print: Nigeria)
Othmane MH, De La Fuente LF, Carriedo JA, San Primitivo F (2002) Heritability and genetic correlations of test day milk yield and composition, individual laboratory cheese yield, and somatic cell count for dairy ewes. Journal of Dairy Science 85, 2692–2698.
| Heritability and genetic correlations of test day milk yield and composition, individual laboratory cheese yield, and somatic cell count for dairy ewes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XotlCms7Y%3D&md5=c1f530f975a7e6273ecb219f5e267930CAS | 12416824PubMed |
Perea S, Fernández de Labastida E, Nájera AI, Chávarri F, Virto M, de Renobales M, Baron LJR (2000) Seasonal changes in the fat composition of Lacca sheep’s milk used for Idiazabal cheese. European Food Research and Technology 210, 318–323.
| Seasonal changes in the fat composition of Lacca sheep’s milk used for Idiazabal cheese.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXjsVKlu70%3D&md5=ae26d9df50d337196a1b233ab2e61c3bCAS |
Ploumi K, Belibasaki S, Triantaphyllidis G (1996) Some factors affecting daily milk yield and composition in sheep. In ‘Proceedings, IDF seminar: production and utilisation of ewe and goat milk’, Crete, Greece, 19–21 October 1995. p. 311. (IDF Publishing: Brussels)
RIM (1992) ‘Nigeria livestock survey. Vol. 2. National synthesis.’ (Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services: Abuja, Nigeria)
Sadeghi S, Rafat SA, Ghaderi M, Zefrei F, Khaligh KH, Rostami M, Bohlouli M (2013) Factors affecting external and internal mammary morphology traits and assessment of their interrelationships with milk yield in Lori Bakhtiari breed ewes. Livestock Research for Rural Developmeny 25, 37
SAS (1995) ‘SAS/STAT user guide. Version 6. Vols 1 and 2.’ 4th edn. (SAS Institute Inc.: Cary, NC)
Sevi AL, Taibi L, Albenzio M, Muscio A, Annicchiarico G (2000) Effect of parity on milk yield, composition, somatic cell count, renneting parameters and bacteria counts of Comisana ewes. Small Ruminant Research 37, 99–107.
| Effect of parity on milk yield, composition, somatic cell count, renneting parameters and bacteria counts of Comisana ewes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Stanton TL, Jones LR, Everett RW, Kachman SD (1992) Estimating milk, fat and protein lactation curves with a test day model. Journal of Dairy Science 75, 1691–1700.
| Estimating milk, fat and protein lactation curves with a test day model.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK38zmsVWitQ%3D%3D&md5=0df4b7566dcaaac221e1c92a7374f511CAS | 1500567PubMed |
Williams TJ, James IJ, Abdulateef MR, Onagbegun LO, Jinadu SO, Falade YO, Solola FT, Adewumi OO, Oke OE (2012) Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 39, 49–56.
