Impact of Management Systems on Yield and Quality Attributes of Kachhi Sheep Milk

The present research was carried out on the impact of two management systems on yield, physico-chemical and sensory attributes of Kachhi sheep milk. Twelve Kachhi sheep were randomly selected and divided into two groups and were reared under the intensive and semi-intensive management systems. The animals under intensive management system (group A) kept indoors and fed with green fodder and concentrate ration, while sheep in the semi-intensive management system (group B) retained indoors during the night and moved for grazing during the daytime and fed concentrate ration at evening. Maximum yield of milk (P<0.05) was noticed in Kachhi sheep managed under semi-intensive management system compared to sheep reared in intensive management system. However, physical attributes (specific gravity and pH values) were higher (P>0.05) in milk of sheep reared under semi-intensive management system in contrast to sheep kept under intensive management system. Chemical characteristics of milk like (fat and protein) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in milk of sheep reared under semi-intensive management system, while non-significant (P>0.05) difference was observed between the value of lactose and ash contents in milk of Kachhi sheep reared under intensive and semi-intensive management system. Moreover, sensory attributes; taste, color, texture, and overall acceptability of Kachhi sheep milk reared under semi-intensive management system perceived high (P<0.05) score by the panel of judges, whereas non-significant variation was noted in odor/aroma of Kachhi sheep milk managed under intensive and semi-intensive management systems. It could be concluded that Kachhi sheep reared under semi-intensive system had higher milk yield, better physico-chemical quality and excellent organoleptic/sensory attributes compared to the sheep kept under intensive management system.