Effect of different milking methods on milk yield and growth of lambs

Indian sheep are unexploited for their milk production potential. Among 43 sheep breeds, Patanwadi is considered to have higher milk yield. With the aim to compare different milking methods to get more yield and better lamb growth, 18 Patanwadi ewes having single born lambs were selected along with their lambs and randomly divided into three groups. Milk yield potential of ewes in Gr A was measured by hand milking method, whereas of Gr B by weigh-suckle-weigh method and of Gr C by hand milking followed by weigh-suckle-weigh method. Average daily milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher (658.00±24.60 ml) in Gr C compared to the ewes in Gr A (541.89±20.00 ml). Gr A lambs were fed by bottle feeding method while, Gr B and C lambs by suckling their dams. The lambs in suckling groups (Gr B and C) had significantly (P<0.05) higher growth compared to group A. The pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) for Gr A lambs was 119 g as compared to Gr B and C (156 g). It was inferred that post-milking suckling method is the better method in Patanwadi ewes with respect to milk yield as well as for higher body weight gain in lambs.