Milk productivity of mares

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Dairy Science
• Animal Breeding

Background:

• The Adai breed of Kazakh horses is crucial for koumiss production in Kazakhstan.
• Understanding milk productivity and composition is vital for optimizing koumiss manufacturing.
• The Mangyshlak peninsula presents unique environmental conditions for livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the milk productivity and technological qualities of Adai Kazakh horses for koumiss production.
• To analyze milk composition, particularly fat and lactose content, during lactation.
• To evaluate the impact of different selection strategies on offspring udder morphology.

Main Methods:

• Selection and analysis of Adai Kazakh mares based on milk yield.
• Investigation of milk quality parameters, including fat and lactose concentration.
• Assessment of lactation dynamics, specifically lactose content over time.
• Evaluation of breeding outcomes based on parental udder shape (cup-shaped vs. rounded).

Main Results:

• Adai horse milk exhibits high fat and lactose content, suitable for koumiss production.
• Lactose concentration peaks in the 4th month of lactation, declining thereafter.
• Homogeneous selection (cup-shaped x cup-shaped) yielded 70% cup-shaped udders in daughters.
• Heterogeneous selection (rounded x cup-shaped) resulted in 60% cup-shaped udders in daughters.

Conclusions:

• Adai Kazakh horses are a valuable genetic resource for koumiss production due to their milk's technological properties.
• Lactation stage significantly influences milk lactose content, with optimal levels for koumiss in later stages.
• Selection strategies focusing on udder morphology can influence herd composition and potentially milk yield for koumiss production.