Ovine mammary morphology and associations with milk production, milkability and animal selection

Publication date: Available online 9 November 2019Source: Small Ruminant ResearchAuthor(s): Aris PourlisAbstractIn current dairy sheep management, there is a widespread trend to improve the morphology of the udder for machine- and hand-milking ability. The purpose of this review is to present the literature regarding udder morphological traits related to milk production of sheep. The ovine udder consists of two mammary glands. Various techniques have been employed to appraise the mammary morphology and anatomy. Articles referring to all these methods are referred to. The typology and the linear scoring of udders and their measurable variables are described. Non-invasive methods, e.g., ultrasonography or digital image analysis, are assessed. Relationships between morphological and production traits are analyzed. Comparative results of quantitative trait loci detection for udder morphology traits in dairy sheep are included. Papers related to milkability are evaluated within the udder and teat morphological context. Use of mammary morphological traits is recommended in order to improve the morphology of the udder and, accordingly, the milkability of the sheep. Thus, their inclusion in programs of genetic improvement could increase the productivity of the animals.

Source: Small Ruminant Research - November 10, 2019 Category: Zoology Source Type: research