EFFECTS OF NON-GENETIC FACTORS ON DAILY MILK PRODUCTION IN AWASSI BREED OF SHEEP IN MACEDONIA

Abstract

Several basic – fixed factors on daily milk yield have been examined in total of 132 Awassi breed sheep, during two – year production period (2011 and 2012). The examination includes the following factors: lactation number, lactation type, date of milk recording, number of newborn lambs, month or year of milk recording and length of suckling period. Their influence on individual milk yield measured in morning, afternoon and evening milking, total daily milk yield and percentage of milk fat has been examined. A total of 904 lactation tests in sheep, aged from first to eight lactation were included in the research. All data were analyzed using a multi-factorial fixed model. The influence of certain factors was studied using the F-test. Analyzes were made using the SSPS set of programs. Most of the factors (number of lactation, date of milk recording, month or year of milk recording and length of suckling period), except the number of newborn lambs or fertility, had a highly significant influence (P<0.01) on daily milk production (milk from the morning, afternoon and evening and total amount of milk, as well as % of milk fat) in examined breed of sheep. Highest daily milk production was determined among sheep in sixth lactation and lowest among those in eighth lactation. On the other hand, the highest percentage of milk fat was determined among sheep in seventh lactation and the lowest among those in second lactation. Three types of lactation curve were identified in examined sheep of which most abundant is the one with one peak. These data suggest that the Awassi breed, as breed with high milk production, retains the level of high and standard milk production to an older age, which is a prerequisite for profitable and sustainable livestock production.