Tag Archives: milk production

180–194 F. Krasniqi, A. Kryeziu, Xh. Ramadani and H. Bytyqi
Comparative evaluation of lactation performance, milk composition and physicochemical characteristics of indigenous dual-purpose sheep breeds in Kosovo
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Comparative evaluation of lactation performance, milk composition and physicochemical characteristics of indigenous dual-purpose sheep breeds in Kosovo

F. Krasniqi¹, A. Kryeziu¹, Xh. Ramadani² and H. Bytyqi¹*

¹University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Animal Science, Str. ‘Tahir Zajmi’ No. 34, XK10000, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
²University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Department of Technology and Biotechnology, Str. ‘Tahir Zajmi’ No. 34, XK10000, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
*Correspondence: hysen.bytyqi@uni-pr.edu

Abstract:

Performance in lactation parameters, milk components, and udder health traits of native dual-purpose sheep breeds raised on semi-extensive management practices in Kosovo were investigated in this study. A total of 180 sheep belonging to the following three breeds – Sharri (SHA), Balusha (BAL), and Bardhoka (BAR) were selected from 15 farms in 2024. The animals were grouped in four parity classes (L1 to L4+), and milk production was measured monthly for a period of 150 days of lactation. Parameters related to milk quantity and quality such as milk yield, fat, protein, lactose content, physicochemical parameters, Somatic Cell Count (SCC), and age of first lambing (AFL) were examined applying mixed linear models where the effects of breed, parity class, and lactation stage served as fixed variables and farm as a random variable. Breed and parity showed significant effect (P < 0.05) on the lactation characteristics, while the breed × parity interaction was significant only for selected traits. Milk production increased from L1 to L3 parities and then declined as expected for normal physiological lactation process. The highest milk yield was detected in BAR sheep (156.1 ± 23.1 kg in L3) as well as low SCC values implying excellent udder health and dairy type orientation. There were negative correlations between milk yield and fat content, protein content, and SCC. These results indicate significant breed-specific differences regarding milk yield ability, milk composition, and udder health among local sheep breeds in Kosovo. Therefore, these findings support their target the native sheep breeds should be used in future breeding specific selection, management and conservation schemes aiming sustainability of local sheep genetic resources.

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33-40 M. Gaworski, A. Leola, O. Sada, P. Kic and J. Priekulis
Effect of cow traffic system and herd size on cow performance and automatic milking systems capacity
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Effect of cow traffic system and herd size on cow performance and automatic milking systems capacity

M. Gaworski¹*, A. Leola², O. Sada², P. Kic³ and J. Priekulis⁴

¹Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Department of Production Management and Engineering, Nowoursynowska str. 164, PL02-787 Warsaw, Poland
²2Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, Fr.R. Kreutzwaldi 56, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
³Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Engineering, Kamycka 129, CZ 16521 Prague 6, Czech Republic
⁴Latvia University of Agriculture, Faculty of Engineering, Cakstes blvd. 5, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: marek_gaworski@sggw.pl

Abstract:

The objective of the current study was to investigate automatic milking systems (AMS) to find relationships between cow traffic system and efficiency of the AMS use. Milking records of cows from 11 Estonian dairy farms (46 AMS units) as well as data coming from four Latvian (7 AMS units) and two Polish (4 AMS units) dairy farms were analyzed to determine the system capacity. The highest capacity (milk yield per AMS unit per day) for Feed First cow traffic system (mean ± SD) 1,817 ± 276 kg was indicated in Estonian dairy farms. 142 and 255 kg more milk was obtained, respectively, compared with Milk First and Free cow traffic systems. Overall, average milk yield per cow per day was the highest with Milk First cow traffic system – 31.4 kg. It was 3.3 kg higher than with Feed First and 3.5 kg than Free cow traffic systems. The average machine-on time for milking was highest with Feed First traffic system, i.e. 85.3 ± 6.1%. However, the lower percentage of machine-on time for milking was observed for Free and Milk First cow traffic systems (76.4 ± 10.1% and 73.3 ± 7.2%, respectively).

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261-268 M. Rajaniemi, M. Turunen and J. Ahokas
Direct energy consumption and saving possibilities in milk production
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Direct energy consumption and saving possibilities in milk production

M. Rajaniemi, M. Turunen and J. Ahokas*

University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, PL 28 (Koetilantie 5), 00014 Helsingin yliopisto, Finland; *Correspondence: jukka.ahokas@helsinki.fi

Abstract:

Direct energy consumption in milk production varies largely because of machinery, production systems, working habits and maintenance. There are good possibilities to save energy in milk production. The magnitude of energy savings are in the order of tens of percent, which means that energy saving potential is quite high. Energy saving can be achieved with efficient system and machinery choices. Also adjustments and maintenance have an effect on energy consumption. To save energy the farmers should have means to measure energy and follow energy consumption. There should also be more information of energy saving possibilities and machinery energy consumptions.

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