Abstract:
In sheep raised for meat production, the relationship between external udder conformation, colostrum quality, and lamb growth rates has not received much attention. We hypothesized that ewes with a more desirable udder conformation at lambing would have greater colostrum quality and greater growth rates in lambs. Fifty Suffolk ewes were used in this study. Within 6-8 h of parturition, colostrum samples from both halves of the udder were collected and visual scoring of the udder was conducted. Colostrum quality was measured for total proteins using both optical and Brix refractometers. On day 2, day 45, and day 60 after parturition, lamb weights were recorded, and udder conformation measurements were repeated. A visual scoring system evaluating udder floor (scale 1-4), udder depth (scale 1-9), teat placement (scale 1-9), teat/mammary lesions (present or absent), and the presence of wool (present or absent) was used to assess the external udder conformation. Normal udder parameters included udder depth scores of 5 or 6; udder floor scores of 1 or 2; teat placement scores of 4, 5, or 6; and the absence of teat/mammary lesions and wool. All ewes not meeting normal parameters were considered to have an abnormal udder. The data were analyzed using the GLM procedure. Mean total colostrum protein was greater (p = 0.03) in ewes displaying a \'normal\' udder conformation compared with those with an \'abnormal\' conformation (14.82 ± 0.5 and 13.31 ± 0.3 mg/dL, respectively). Mean Brix values were also greater (p = 0.03) for ewes with a \'normal\' udder compared to an abnormal udder confirmation (21.70 ± 0.8 and 19.54 ± 0.5, respectively). On day 2 after parturition, the mean lamb body weight was not different between ewes with \'normal\' and abnormal udders (5.38 ± 0.26 vs. 5.46 ± 0.15). No differences (p > 0.05) in lamb weights were detected between ewes with normal and abnormal udder conformations on day 45 and 60 after parturition. These data provide evidence of greater colostrum total protein values and greater Brix values present in ewes with a \'normal\' udder conformation. There were no differences in the weights of lambs born to ewes with normal or abnormal udder conformations.
摘要:
在为肉类生产而饲养的绵羊中,乳房外部构象之间的关系,初乳质量,羔羊的生长速度并没有受到太多关注。我们假设在羔羊中具有更理想的乳房构象的母羊将具有更高的初乳质量和更高的羔羊生长速度。本研究使用了50只萨福克母羊。分娩后6-8小时内,收集乳房两半的初乳样本,并对乳房进行视觉评分。使用光学和Brix折射计测量总蛋白质的初乳质量。分娩后第2天,第45天和第60天,记录羔羊的体重,重复乳房构象测量。评估乳房地板的视觉评分系统(量表1-4),乳房深度(比例1-9),奶头放置(1-9级),乳头/乳腺病变(存在或不存在),并且使用羊毛的存在(存在或不存在)来评估外部乳房的构象。正常乳房参数包括乳房深度评分为5或6分;乳房地板评分为1或2;乳头放置评分为4、5或6;以及没有乳头/乳腺病变和羊毛。所有不满足正常参数的母羊被认为具有异常乳房。使用GLM程序分析数据。与具有“异常”构象的母羊相比,显示“正常”乳房构象的母羊的平均总初乳蛋白更高(p=0.03)(14.82±0.5和13.31±0.3mg/dL,分别)。与乳房异常确认(分别为21.70±0.8和19.54±0.5)相比,乳房正常的母羊的平均白利糖度值也更高(p=0.03)。分娩后的第二天,乳房正常和异常的母羊的平均羔羊体重没有差异(5.38±0.26vs.5.46±0.15)。在分娩后第45天和第60天,乳房构象正常和异常的母羊之间的羔羊重量没有差异(p>0.05)。这些数据提供了具有正常乳房构象的母羊中存在的初乳总蛋白值和白利糖度值更高的证据。乳房构象正常或异常的母羊所生的羔羊的体重没有差异。