Genetic analysis of milk yield during suckling and milking period in three italian sheep breeds

Ovine milk production is very important for the economy of Mediterranean countries and in particular in marginal areas. In such difficult environmental conditions that require a peculiar adaptation, sheep are able to provide higher quality protein than cattle. In these areas, lambs were allowed free suckling for about one month and the milking period start after weaning of the lambs. As a consequence, the quantity of milk produced by ewes is the most important factor in determining lambs’ growth rate. It is well known that milk production is significantly affected by genetic and environmental factors.