Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

In this study 75 Awassi ewes 3-5 years old were used for the study of the following parameters; milk productionو time required for complete milking were recorded for each ewe twice a day. Fat and protein percentage were determined weekly, and somatic cell count was estimated one time each two weeks. The week effect on average milk production and time required for complete milking were significant (P<0.01), in favor of the first week which was the best one on milk production and a time needed to complete milking. Their values were 876.17 ± 22.94 gm/day and 67.23 ± 1.73 second/kgm respectively, while the effect on the percentage of fat and protein was significant for the favor of the last week of the study and were 7.1 ± 0.05 and 6.42 ± 0.06 respectively, compared with those of the first week of 3.43 ± 0.05 and 2.84 ± 0.04 respectively. It is concluded that milk production, time needed for complete milking and somatic cell count were affected by age. Better results have been seen in five years old ewes.