Effect of some physiological and environmental factors in milk quality of Awassi ewes

Abstract

The present study was carried out at the experimental animal farm , college of Agriculture , Kufa University by using data collected for 80 Awassi ewes in different age and lactation stage in the period of 2009 to 2013 to determine the effect of dam age and parity, lactation stage , type and sex of birth and year of birth in milk protein , fat , lactose ash and PH. Results was showed a significant effect(p≤ 0.05 ) of lactation stage in protein fat and ash , the highest values were in late period of lactation (6.92,6.27and1.51)% respectively. The highest value of lactose was in early lactation (4.38)% .The highest values were found in 4th parity (6.99 , 6.31 and 1.48 )% respectively. Dam age effect significantly (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk fat , the highest value was in older dams compared with younger dams (6.37 and 5.14) % respectively. Single birth gave a significant increase (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk protein and fat (6.94 and 6.09)% respectively. Females birth gave a significant increase in milk protein , fat and ash ( 6.77, 5.92 and 1.17) respectively. Significant effect (p≤ 0.05 ) of year of birth in milk protein ,fat and ash, the highest values were found in 2010 (6.75, 6.20 and1.11)% respectively. Milk PH was not affected significantly by all factors.