Comparative Study of Udder Traits and Milk Composition in Small Ruminant

Abstract

The comparative study of udder traits and milk composition of small ruminant were assessed. A total of 320 small ruminants were used for the study. Comprising of 80 from each breeds of sheep and goats (80 Sahellian, 80 Red Sokoto goats, 80 Uda and 80 Yankasa sheep). Matured ewes and does were used for the study, age range between 2-4 years of age and with average body weight of 20-35kg. The udder and teat characteristics were measured (UW, TW, UL, UV, TL, TW and TFD) using flexible tape and venire caliper while the body weight was done using weighing balance. Milk quality were analyzed for protein%, fat%, lactose%, ash%, casein% and total solid %. The milk composition of small ruminant investigated that there was no statistical significance variation in the values of milk composition of small ruminant, although the protein % of sheep was slightly higher than goat. Sheep and goat may have the potential of moderate to high milk production under good management and improve feeding. Highest mean value of body weight was obtained in sheep as compared with goats. The descriptive statistics of udder and teat measurement indicated highest mean value of teat to floor distance of sheep. Lowest mean value was obtained in the value of udder volume of sheep. The Pearson correlation of udder and teat measurements of small ruminant investigated that there exists strong significant correlation between body weight and TFD (r = 0.73**) which indicate that increase in body weight may lead to increase in teat to floor distance. Moderate strong and significant correlation was observed between UW and UC with the value of r = 0.49**. These imply that increase in one parameter may lead to increase in other parameter at an average rate. Low significant correlation was observed in the following parameters BW and UL (r = 0.33%), UW and BW (r = 0.23 **), UL and UW (r = 0.37%), UW and TFD (0.33**), UW and TL (r = 0.167%), UC and TW (r = 0.147*), TL and TFD (r = 0.127*%) and TW and TFD (0.227**) respectively. The variation of udder and teat measurements of small ruminant observed significant variation in the bodyweight of pregnant ewe and doe as compared to lactating once. Based on the study there was no statistical significant variation in the values of milk composition of small ruminant. The variation of udder and teat measurements of small ruminant observed significant variation in the body weight of pregnant ewe and doe as compared to lactating once