Milk Composition of Yankasa Sheep Raised Under Small-Holder Husbandry System in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate milk compositional parameters in Yankasa
sheep raised under small-holder husbandry system in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of
eighty lactating ewes were used and classified on the basis of age, body condition
score (BCS), parity and season. The results showed that there were significant
differences (P<0.05) in milk compositional parameters with respect to total solid,
lactose, crude protein (CP) and fat contents pH and ash contents were influenced by
BCS of the ewes studied. Age of ewes significantly (P<0.05) affected all the milk
composition parameters investigated. However, parity effect showed significant
differences (P<0.05) in terms of total solid, lactose, CP, fat pH and ash contents of
ewes milked. The results also shows seasonal significant (p<0.05) effects on milk
composition with respect to four parameters (lactose, CP, fat and ash contents). Total
solid and pH content of ewe milked did not differ significantly (P>0.05) in the two
seasons (wet and dry). There were many significant (P<0.05) and positive
correlations among the milk composition parameters. For instance BCS vs season,
fat vs CP and pH vs parity, CP vs BCS, BCS vs fat; values being r= 0.31, 0.76, 0.31,
0.27, 0.82 (P<0.05), respectively. This study on milk composition of ewes showed
great variability in the values of the milk composition investigated and attributed it
to the differences in the feeding and management of these animals. It is therefore
suggested that enhanced management in terms of feeding and housing be given to
these ewes in order to achieve the purpose to which they are kep