Milk yield and milk traits in Slovenian sheep breeds

Absztrakt

The results for milk recording in Slovenian recorded sheep flocks were studied for the period of last 4 years. 3044 lactations of controlled sheep were analysed. Milk recording is performed according to the regulation of ICAR. Milk yield in Slovenian sheep breeds is evaluated by the method A4. Milk yield is recorded in 3 dairy sheep breeds which are included in Slovenian selection program for small ruminants. It was found out that the number of controlled ewes is increasing from year to year, also the number of included new breeders is increasing and this facts influence on production results. In the observed period a decreasing trend of total milk yield in lactation was noticed. Milk yield also has slightly decreased in separate breeds in the observed period. The lowest milk yield was noticed in Istrian pramenka and the highest milk yield had improved Bovška breed. It the same period, a trend of increasing average fat content was noticed. There were no significant differences in protein content, but the lactose content has decreased. The average fat content in separate breeds increased in Bovška breed (by 0,7%) and in improved Bovška breed (by 0,3%), meanwhile it has decreased in Istrian pramenka (by 0,3%). The lactose content has decreased in Bovška breed and in improved Bovška breed, but in Istrian pramenka it has stayed the same through the years.