Performance analysis of the Florina (Pelagonia) sheep for milk production

• Published in: Zivocisna Vyroba UZPI Vol. 42
• Main Authors: Christodoulou B, Giouzelyannis A, Ploumi K, Vainas E, Katanos I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1997
• Subjects: aptitud lechera; aptitude laitiere; breeds animals; duracion de la lactancia; duree de la lactation; grece; grecia; greece; lactation duration; lactation number; methode statistique; metodos estadisticos; milk performance; milk production; numero de lactacion; numero de lactation; ovin; ovinos; parto; parturition; produccion lechera; production laitiere; race animal; razas animales; sheep; statistical methods
• ISSN: 0044-4847

The Florina breed of sheep was farmed in the poor hills and mountains of the Greek West Macedonia. 772 milk records, produced in an experimental flock (initial size 70 ewes and 6 rams) in 1976-1995 were analysed using Harvey's mixed model of least squares and maximum likelihood program to estimate the effect of year, month and type of lambing, lactation number, age at first lambing and age at lambing, sire group, lactation length and the interaction between lactation number and age at first lambing. The average milk yield was 63.49+/-20.68 kg and the lactation length 135+/-26 days. Year, month and type of lambing, sire group and lactation length were significant for milk yield (P<0.001). Lactation number, age at 1st lambing, age at lambing and the interaction between lactation number and age at 1st lambing were not significant. Year and month of lambing were significant for the lactation length (P<0.001). Sire group and the interaction lactation number by age at 1st lambing were significant at the P<0.05 level.