UN SDG
Livestock Studies 2000, Vol 40, Num, 2     (Pages: 045-055)
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Linear Udder Traits and Relationships Between These and Milk Yield in Awassi and East-Friesian x Awassi Crossbreed (F1) Ewes

İbrahim SEKER 1 ,Selim KUL 1 ,Metin BAYRAKTAR 1

1 Fırat Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Zootekni Anabilim Dalı, ELAZIĞ - The aim of this study was to investigate linear udder tarits and relationships between these and milk yield in sheep. For this purpose, a total of 20 animals (10 Awassi and 10 East-Friesian x Awassi crossbreed (F1) sheep) raised at Firat University Research and Application Farm were included in the study. All the animals were 2 years old first lactation and given birth at about the same time period. Among the linear udder traits, udder depth, udder attachment, teat placement, teat length and udder shape were considered. The length of lactation period and total milk yield in the whole lactation period were estimated.

There was no statistically significant difference between Awassi and East-Friesian x Awassi crossbreeds (F1) in relation to teat length and lactation period. The differences between groups in terms of udder depth and teat placement (p<0.05), udder attachment and udder shape (p<0.01) were highly significant. When the groups were compared for the differences in total milk yield, a highly significant difference (p<0.01) was noted.

Phenotypic correlation between linear udder features and total milk yield in Ivesi sheep was between 0.25 and 0.40, In East-Friesian x Ivesi crossbreeds (F1) the correlations varied between 0.13 and 0.43.

In conclusion, significant differences were observed in linear udder traits and lactation milk yield in Awassi and East-Friesian x Awassi crossbreeds (F1) animals and the differences were in favur of crossbreeds. Keywords : Linear Udder Traits, Milk Yield, Ewes