The accuracy of A4 and AC methods for determining lactation in control day in three fold milking of Awassi breed of sheep.

Abstract

The most important thing for successful selection in dairy sheep breeds is precise milk control, using methods that simplify the procedure and are inexpensive. The purpose of this research is to compare the A4 (as a reference method) and AC (as an alternative method) for determining the milk yield in the recording day in Awassi breed of sheep in the period from 2005 to 2008, with threefold milking (morning, afternoon, evening). It is determined that the difference between the predictions of daily milk yield after one of three milking (morning, afternoon, evening) and the measured milk yield according the A4 method, depends on environmental and age factors. Providing all the analyzed factors (year/month control, age/lactation and number of newborn lambs) the most important is the fourth factor (type of dynamics of daily milk yield) which shows that after threefold milking it is recommended to make the recording in afternoon milking, using the AC method.