Milk distribution in the udder and reaction to milking frequency in dairy ewes

Abstract

For proper organization of machine milking it is very important to know and respect the biological needs of ewes. Only if these needs are respected we can achieve maximum milk production with good health of the mammary gland. The aim of this review is to provide information on mechanism of milk ejection, distribution of milk in the udder and the response of ewes to different milking frequency. The induction of milk ejection is very important for rapid and complete milking and achieving maximal milk production. The milk ejection may be inducted only if oxytocin is released from neuro-pituitary gland. Oxytocin is released as a response to stimulation of the mammary gland by hand milking, machine milking or suckling. Milk distribution among both compartments varies according to breed, species, age, stage of lactation and milking interval. This is important to know due to the ability of ewes to adapt to different milking interval. Nowadays we are beginning to look for ways of improvement of quality of farmer’s life. As milking takes more than a half of all labours on the farm, there is increasing demand for extended milking intervals. Nevertheless, this may cause negative impact on the milk production. It may be three times milking per two days. This way of milking has the smallest influence on milk production. On the other hand, it creates an unusual work pattern, including 3 different schedules of milking and more often milking at night. Another possible way of milking may be the omission of one or two milkings per week. This method of milking could be used to reduce labour on farms during critical days, usually throughout the weekend. But omission of milking causes decreased milk production depending on breed and the level of production. The last way of extended milking interval, which is described in this article, is once- daily milking. However, this method of milking mostly decreases milk production.