Influence of weaning age, milking frequency, and udder stimulation on dairy milk production and post‐partum oestrus interval of Dorset ewes

Abstract

The dairy milk production of Dorset ewes was measured in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Factors were: machine milking of ewes from parturition or following the weaning of lambs at 4 weeks of age; once‐ or twice‐daily milking from Week 6 of lactation; and udder stimulation or no stimulation. Ewes milked from parturition had a mean total dairy yield of 147 litres compared with 76 litres for those which had suckled lambs for 4 weeks; both groups had a similar dairy lactation period of about 154 days. Milking ewes once daily from Week 6 of lactation caused a 14% (NS) reduction in total dairy yield compared with twice‐daily milking. Udder stimulation in contrast to no stimulation resulted in a 21% increase in dairy yield. The mean post‐partum oestrus interval (about 116 days) was unaffected by treatments.