New tools to appraise udder morphology and milkability in dairy sheep
2003
Marie-Etancelin, C. | Aurel, M.R. | Barillet, F. | Jacquin, M. | Pailler, F. | Porte, D. (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Castanet Tolosan (France). Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux)Casu, S. | Carta, A. | Deiana, S. | Tolu, S.
The aim of this paper was to estimate relevance of new tools to appraise traits related to dairy ewes milkability (udder morphology) and milk emission kinetics. Data were collected in two experimental flocks: a backcross population Sarda ï Lacaune and a purebreed Lacaune. The tools applied were: Two scoring tables developed in Italy and France, respectively, and digital picture analysis, for udder conformation; and an INRA automatic milk recording device for milk emission kinetics. High correlations between the two scoring tables as well as high average correlations between classifiers using the same table were estimated. Scored traits were repeatable within and between lactations. The udder picture analysis allowed the extraction of original and reliable measurements, confirmed by sufficient repeatabilities and showing good correlations with scores. Finally, data collected with electronic jars permitted the kinetics trait to be identified showing high repeatabilities (maximum milk flow and latency time) these traits outlining strong differences between the 2 experimental flocks.
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This bibliographic record has been provided by International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies - Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier