THE EFFECTS OF BREED, SEASON AND PARITY ON MILK COMPOSITION OF THREE SHEEP BREEDS IN THE SEMI-ARID ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A total of 36 ewes, comprising of 12 each of Uda, Yankasa and Koroji breeds were used for the study. They were replicated three times in a group of four animals per pen. A healthy matured ram of the selected breeds was included for breeding purpose in each of the pens and the ewe were tagged for
easy identification. Milk yield was measured daily using a measuring cylinder (in mls). Milk sample (100 ml) from each breed was taken weekly for analysis to determine percentage crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), dry matter (DM), moisture (M), ash and lactose. The data was subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model of SAS package (1999). Signficant means were separated using the least significant difference (LSD). The results how that breed had no significant effect (P>0.05) in all the milk composition parameters studied except lactose (P<0.05) where significant difference was observed. Yankasa had the highest value (4.72%) followed by Koroji (4.67%) and Uda (4.49%). The effect of season also significantly affected (P<0.05). Milk produced during dry cold
(Oct-Jan) season had significantly higher lactose. This study could serve as a baseline for selection of breed suitable for milk production in the semi-arid environment.