Makovicky P, Nagy M
J. Selye University, Faculty of Education, Bratislavská cesta, Komárno, Slovak Republic.
Biomedical Research Center SAS, Institution of Experimental Oncology, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2025 Apr;167(4):225-238. doi: 10.17236/sat00350.
This study analyses udder measurements in Lacaune ewes, with a particular focus on the effects of the control year (2022-2023) and lactation order on various udder traits. The number of Lacaune ewes included in the study ranged from 57 to 86 for various variables, while the number of control measurements was between 49 and 111. Significant year-on-year variations were observed in teat size and position, with teats generally decreasing in size with age. The control year had a significant impact on udder length, width, and depth, as well as teat length and angle. Our findings indicate that optimal teat angles for milking are around 45°. The order of lactation (parity) had a significant impact on udder size, particularly udder depth and length, which increased by the third lactation. The older ewes exhibited longer teats and a more horizontal teat position, indicative of larger udder cisterns. The results of the udder cistern measurements taken using different methods showed that cistern size tends to increase with age. It was found that larger cisterns correlate with higher milk yields and faster milk letdown. Although the impact of lactation order on cistern measurements was not statistically significant, the 'from the bottom' method proved more effective for assessing cistern size. There was considerable variation in the milkability parameters, including machine-milked and total milk yield. The correlation between udder attachment and milk production was significant, which highlights the importance of a strong udder attachment for efficient milk yield. A notable positive correlation between udder width and milk production indicates that wider udders yield more milk in shorter periods. The study findings indicate that larger udder cisterns, particularly on the left side, are associated with greater milk production. As ewes age and progress through lactations, udder morphology improves, facilitating better milkability. These findings provide a scientific basis for the use of specific udder traits in the selection of ewes with enhanced milk production potential for the Lacaune breed.
本研究分析了拉科讷母羊的乳房测量数据，特别关注对照年份（2022 - 2023年）和泌乳顺序对各种乳房性状的影响。研究中纳入的拉科讷母羊数量因变量不同而在57至86只之间，而对照测量的数量在49至111次之间。观察到乳头大小和位置存在显著的逐年变化，乳头大小通常随年龄增长而减小。对照年份对乳房长度、宽度和深度以及乳头长度和角度有显著影响。我们的研究结果表明，挤奶的最佳乳头角度约为45°。泌乳顺序（胎次）对乳房大小有显著影响，特别是乳房深度和长度，到第三次泌乳时会增加。年龄较大的母羊乳头较长且乳头位置更水平，这表明乳房储乳池较大。使用不同方法进行的乳房储乳池测量结果表明，储乳池大小往往随年龄增长而增加。发现较大的储乳池与较高的产奶量和更快的放乳速度相关。虽然泌乳顺序对储乳池测量的影响在统计学上不显著，但“从底部测量”方法在评估储乳池大小方面被证明更有效。挤奶性能参数存在相当大的差异，包括机械挤奶量和总产奶量。乳房附着与产奶量之间的相关性显著，这突出了牢固的乳房附着对高效产奶的重要性。乳房宽度与产奶量之间存在显著的正相关，表明较宽的乳房在较短时间内产奶量更高。研究结果表明，较大的乳房储乳池，特别是左侧的，与更高的产奶量相关。随着母羊年龄增长和经历多次泌乳，乳房形态会改善，有利于更好的挤奶性能。这些研究结果为在选择具有更高产奶潜力的拉科讷品种母羊时利用特定乳房性状提供了科学依据。
