Abstract :
Sicilo-Sarde is a local breed from northern Tunisia resulting from crossing Sarda and
Comisana dairy sheep and is traditionally used for cheese production after lamb weaning.
A sample of 52 adult Sicilo-Sarde lactating ewes was used for studying their udder morphological
traits and milk yield potential during weeks 4–8 (milking–suckling period) and
10 (milking period) of lactation. Daily milk yield was estimated on a daily basis by using the
double oxytocin injection method 4 h after machine-milking at d 30 and 45. Udder and teat
morphology were also measured at d 45 of lactation. Cisternal area (by ultrasonography)
and udder compartments (cisternal and alveolar milk) were evaluated 8 h after milking by
using atosiban and oxytocin on d 72 of lactation. Milk yield averaged 0.56±0.10 L/d and
ewes had small (volume, 496±28 mL) and healthy udders (CMT, <1), with medium sized
teats (length, 18.5±4.9mm; diameter, 10.0±2.0mm) attached at 45±10◦. A drop in milk
production (49%) was found in the transition from suckling (day 30) to milking (week 10).
Udder cisterns were multilocular and small sized (half udder area, 11.6±4.5cm2), although
cisternal milk accounted for 54% of the total milk in the udder. Correlation between cisternal
milk and cisternal area was moderate (R2 = 0.48; P < 0.05). Lag time and total milking
time were 1.9±0.1 and 31±5 s, respectively. In conclusion, the Sicilo-Sarde ewes evaluated
showed medium sized cisterns and teats which were morphologically adequate for
machine milking, although milk production needs to be improved.
