Milk yield and milking traits measured with different methods in Bafra sheep

Milk production and milking traits of Bafra ewes (Chios x Karayaka first backcrossbred) were evaluated by using Weigh-Suckle-Weigh (WSW) and Oxytocin Injection plus Machine Milking (OMM) and Machine Milking (MM) methods. A total of 70 Bafra ewes, having twin lambs, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 20 ewes and their 40 lambs in WSW, 25 ewes in OMM and 25 ewes in MM. Mean daily milk yield was 1580 and 1480 and 1051 g during preweaning period for WSW and OMM and MM groups; 1261 and 929 g during entire lactation period for the last two groups. Corresponding values for total milk yield were 154.8 and 145.0 and 102.9 kg; 149.8 and 110.7 kg, respectively. On the 42(nd) day of lactation, mean milking duration and mean milk flow rate were 90.1 vs 95.5 s; 12.2 vs 7.0 g per s for OMM and MM groups, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between all udder traits and daily milk yield. Daily milk yield at different lactation stages were positively correlated with milking flow rate in OMM and MM groups. The results revealed that milk yield obtained by WSW and OMM techniques was higher than that obtained with the MM technique during preweaning period, and milk yield obtained by OMM technique was higher than MM technique during whole lactation period. Bafra genotype could be described as a dairy breed since the ewes had a high milk production capacity.