Comparison of udder morphology, body weight and milk production during lactation in pasture-fed dairy sheep in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka are indigenous sheep breeds from Bosnia and Herzegovina whose milk is traditionally used for cheese production after the lambs are weaned. The main objective was to determine the udder morphology and the changes in milk production during lactation in Kupres (n=107), Privor (n=94) and Stolac (n=121) Pramenka sheep breeds kept on pasture. Milk production, udder morphology and ewe body weight were measured, samples of milk composition (milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids-not-fat content), somatic cells and total bacterial count were collected during early (day 80-100), mid (day 140-160) and late (day 200-220) lactation in Kupres, Privor and Stolac Pramenka sheep breeds. The results of this work confirm that all the breeds studied have low milk production. In addition, milk production decreases during lactation, while the proportion of milk fat, protein and non-fat components increases. The number of somatic cells in the milk increases slightly during lactation, and their concentration shows good udder health. Compared to the Privor and Stolac Pramenka breeds, the Kupres ewes had the highest milk production and the greatest udder height and width. To conclude, the udder and teat measurements in all breeds were acceptable for machine milking, which was reflected in a low teat angle and a cistern height below the teat orifice. Udder width and height show a high positive correlation with milk yield and can be used to predict milk production in all three Pramenka group sheep breeds.