THE EFFECT OF LIGHT WORK ON MILK PRODUCTION OF MERINO EWES

Dwatmadji, Dwatmadji (2010) THE EFFECT OF LIGHT WORK ON MILK PRODUCTION OF MERINO EWES. In: Proceedings International Seminar on Prospects and Challenges of Animal Production in Developing Countries in the 21st Century. UB Press, Malang, pp. 44-49. (Unpublished)

Preview

Text THE EFFECT OF LIGHT WORK ON MILK PRODUCTION OF MERINO EWES-Dwatmadji.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons GNU GPL (Software). Download (472kB) | Preview

Abstract

The present experiment was undertaken in order to investigate the effect of light work on milk production of Merino ewes. Sixteen ewes were used in this experiment the animals were divided into two groups of eight animals, evenly matched for live weight and body size. One group was randomly assigned the Working treatment and the other was assigned the non-working treatment (control). The diet was a mixture of sorghum and Lucerne hay with a crude protein content of 13%. Mineral blocks and water were available at all times. The ewes were subjected to light work, for three hours a day for 21 days (Work days) after which they were rested for seven days (No-Work days). Milk yield of each ewe was measured at Days 1 – 28, twice a day at using the "weigh-suckleweigh", in order to facilitate milk sampling for analysis, milking was carried out by hand. Milk composition were analysed for fat, lactose, N and total solids-non-fat (SNF). Results showed that milk yield peaked in the first week post partum, gradually decreased subsequently until 21 days post partum when it appeared to stabilise. In total amount of milk produced, working ewes yielded significantly (P<0.01) more milk than that of Control ewes throughout Work and No-Work periods. However, when milk yield is expressed per unit of respective ewes, mean values obtained for Working and Non-Working groups were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Result also showed milk composition produced by non-working and working animals was not significantly different. It might be concluded from the result of this experiment that light work would not adversely affect milk production and composition. Heavier work load would therefore be interesting to be investigated.

Actions (login required)

View Item