scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF THE TYPE OF NERVOUS ACTIVITY ON THE MILK PRODUCTION OF COWS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Karlova ◽  
◽  
Olena Lesnovska ◽  
Roman Mylostyvyi ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Weak Type ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Strong Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Productive Traits ◽  
Relative Decline ◽  
Morning Milk

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the type of the nervous system on the productive and reproductive qualities of animals. The type of nervous system (strong, weak) of cows of the Ukrainian red dairy breed was determined by the index of the nervous system, which is based on the variability of the fat content in the morning milk yield after changing the conditions of cows keeping. Under the new conditions of keeping cows with a strong type of nervous activity, the coefficients of variability of the morning milk yield and the fat content in milk practically remained at the same level (their slight increase was noted at the level of 4.5 and 3.1%). In cows of a weak type under similar conditions of keeping, a significant increase in the variability of milk yield (by 53.6%) and fat content in milk (by 266.7%) was found. In animals of both types, in the first days of summer-camp keeping, in comparison with winter-stall keeping, there was an increase in milk yield and a decrease in fat content in milk. In cows of the strong type, the fat content decreased by 0.08% and of the weak type by 0.12%. The average index of the nervous system type in animals of the strong type is 1.18, and in cows of the weak type 2.71 (P> 0.999). Before and during milking, the pulse rate in the cows of weak type was higher by 8.0 and 10.8 beats / min. (P> 0.999), compared with the strong type. The animals of strong type of the nervous system, in comparison with the weak type, had a smaller thickness of the concha and skin, a higher pulse and respiratory rate, and a lower rectal body temperature. In cows of a strong type of the nervous system in postnatal ontogenesis, the formation of productive traits took place more rapidly and they better adapted to the conditions of the external environment. This is evidenced by their high coefficient of relative decline in the growth at the age of one (85.0) than in animals with a weak type of nervous system (78.5). The advantage of cows with a strong type of nervous activity over a weak one in milk yield was 348 kg (P>0.95) and in milk fat 8.0 kg. The service period in animals with a strong type of nervous activity was 6.3 days shorter. The animals with a strong type of nervous activity during the first lactation had a higher adaptation index compared with animals of a weak type. The difference for this indicator is 0.49 (or 3.7%). They also had a higher productivity index for the first (3.1%) and second (4.0%) lactation. Thus, the typological features of the nervous activity of cows affect the formation of the most important functions of the body, which can be used in breeding work to improve the herd.

scholarly journals The chemical composition and technological properties of milk obtained from the morning and evening milking

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 187-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Skýpala ◽  
Gustav Chládek
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Protein Production ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Milk Protein Content ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Morning Milk

Milk yield varies during lactation, following what is termed a lactation curve. ŽIŽLAVSKÝ and MIKŠÍK (1988) recorded changes in milk yield within a day, too. TEPLÝ et al. (1979) a KOUŘIMSKÁ et al. (2007) published variation within a day ± 1.10 kg in milk yield, ± 0.75 % in milk fat content and ± 0.20 % in milk protein content. Milk yield of cows can be expressed in many different ways, for instance, in kilograms per lactation or in kilograms per day. A practical parameter describing milk production is milk yield (kg) per milking.The object of experiment were 12 cows of Holstein cattle on the first lactation from the 100-day of lactation to 200-day of lactation. The samples of milk were collected from January to May 2007, once a month from the morning and evening milking (milking interval 12 h ± 15 min.). The following parameters were monitored: milk production – milk yield (kg), milk protein production (kg), milk fat production (kg); milk composition – milk protein content (%), milk fat content (%), lactose content (%), milk solids-not-fat content (%), milk total solids content (%); technological properties of milk – ti­tra­tab­le acidity (SH), active acidity (pH), rennet coagulation time (s), quality of curd (class) and somatic cell count as a parameter of udder health.Highly significant differences were found (P < 0.01) between morning milk yield (15.7 kg) and evening milk yield (13.8 kg), between morning milk protein production (0.51 kg) and evening milk protein production (0.45 kg) and between evening milk fat content (4.41 %) and morning milk fat content (3.95 %). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between morning milk total solids content (12.62 %) and evening milk total solids content (12.07 %). No significant differences were found between morning (M) and evening (E) values of the remaining parameters: milk fat production (M 0.62 kg; E 0.60 kg), milk protein content (M 3.24 %; E 3.27 %), milk lactose content (M 4.78 %; E 4.86 %), milk solids-not-fat content (M 7.69 %; E 7.71 %), somatic cell count (M 80 000/1 mL; E 101 000/1 mL), titratable aci­di­ty (M 7.75 SH; E 7.64 SH), active acidity (M pH 6.58; E pH 6.61), rennet coagulation time (M 189 s.; E 191 s.), quality of curd (M 1.60 class; E 1.57 class).

scholarly journals Productive traits of sheep of different genotypes

2019 ◽  
pp. 55-63
Author(s):  
V. Likhach ◽  
H. Kalinichenko
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Daily Growth ◽  
Calorie Content ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Productive Traits ◽  
Meat Productivity ◽  
Experimental Group

The effect of industrial crossbreeding on the productive qualities of purebred Tsigai and Romanov sheep breeds was investigated. The following indicators were studied: the survival of the young for the period from birth to their weaning; dynamics of live weight of sheep and goats in the corresponding age periods (at birth, at 2-, 4-, 6,5-month age); meat productivity; wool productivity and sheepskin quality. The lambs and suckers were found to have live weight at birth of 3.9 and 4.2 kg respectively, which is 8.3 and 7.6 % higher than in purebred lambs. The difference in live weight of local and purebred lambs is statistically significant (P>0,999).The average daily growth for the whole period in the local sheep was 192 g, in the fossa 171 g, which is 4.3 and 4.9 % respectively more than in purebred peers. It is proved that the local young is characterized by better viability: the preservation of lambs to beating was 132.2 % against 115.3 % in purebreds. It was studied that the mass of chilled carcass in purebred lambs was 14.14 kg, and in domestic 14.3% more (P>0,999). It was investigated that animals in the experimental group had an average of 12.49 kg of flesh in the carcass, which is 77.3 % by weight of the carcass. In purebred lambs these figures are respectively 10.52 kg or 74.4 %. The difference in the pulp mass between the carcasses of the study groups was 1.97 kg or 18.7% (P>0.999). The fat content of the mixture was superior to pure-bred animals, resulting in a higher calorie content of 8.34 %. Proven lambs during fattening were shown to have a greater increase in live weight compared to purebred by 13.6%. At the same time, they consumed less feed units by 4.7 %. In terms of the original dirty wool, the highest indices were in the local brightnesses. Along with this, they also outperformed purebred animals by 2.48 kg, or 10.7%. It should be noted that in Romanov sheep, as a rule, fluff is exaggerated. This trend is preserved in the received mixes. The difference in the length of the down and the bones was 32.2 % (P>0,999). It is noted that the area of sheep sheep of the experimental group was more control by 7.4 % (P>0.95) and amounted to 84.0 dm2. The same pattern was observed in the area of exposed sheepskin. Key words: wool, lamb, sheepskin, live weight, viability, lambs, Romanov breed, Tsigai breed.

scholarly journals Dynamics of total protein content in blood of sows depending on peculiarities of nervous system activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (94) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
R. Postoi ◽  
V. Karpovskyi ◽  
O. Danchuk ◽  
D. Kryvoruchko
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Blood Serum ◽  
Protein Content ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Weak Type ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Total Protein Content ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Higher Nervous Activity

The article presents the results of studies on the dynamics of total protein content in blood serum of sows depending on the cortical and vegetative mechanisms of regulation under exposure to technological stimulus. Experiments were carried out on 3 years old pigs of large white breed. Types of higher nervous activity in pigs were determined using method of conditioned food reflexes. According to the studying of conditioned reflex activity 4 experimental groups were formed, 5 animals in each. The 1-st group consisted of sows with strong balanced mobile, the 2-nd – strong balanced inert, the 3-rd – strong unbalanced, and the 4-th – weak types of higher nervous activity. Then in experimental animals we studied the tone of the autonomic nervous system using trygeminovagal test, by the results of which we formed 3 experimental groups (normotonics, sympathicotonics, vagotonics), 5 animals in each. Before exposure to technological stimulus and in 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after its impact, blood samples were taken for biochemical studies in all experimental animals. Before exposure to technological stimulus content of total protein in swine blood serum between animals with strong types of higher nervous activity did not differ significantly. Animals with weak type of higher nervous activity had lower level of this metabolite than animals with strong balanced mobile type. After exposure to technological stimulus the total protein level in swine blood serum significantly decreased. In sows with strong balanced mobile type, the content of total protein starting from the 7-th day after exposure to technological stimulus returned to values that were before stress factor impact. At the same time, in sows with weak type of higher nervous activity, the level of total protein in blood returned to the reference values only in 28 days after exposure to technological stimulus. The basal level of total protein in blood serum in pigs with different tone of autonomic nervous system didn’t differ significantly. In sows normotonics was found a significantly higher content of total protein in blood serum than in sows vagotonics and sympathicotonics during first week after exposure to stress factor.

THE BLACK-AND-WHITE CATTLE BREEDING RESULTS WHEN USING THE POTENTIAL OF HOLSTEIN BREED

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (86) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
А.I. Shendakov ◽  
◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Mothers And Daughters ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Holstein Breed ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Productive Traits ◽  
Positive Correlations

The share of genes of Holstein breed was 76.8% in the herd. It was found that during the research period, the normal distributions of milk productivity traits were observed in the herd. The number of cows in the herd decreased, but their breeding qualities increased. The main reason for which animals were culled from the herd was their gynecological diseases (in some years, up to 175 to 188 heads were culled). The protein content in milk varied from 2.90 to 3.39%. Most cows produced milk in which the protein content was at a level of 3.00 to 3.19%. The herd showed positive correlations between the yields of mothers and daughters for the 305-day-long period: 0.234 for the whole herd, 0.517 for the group of cows with 50% of Holstein breed (HF) genes, 0.098 for the group with 51-75% of HF genes, and 0,189 for the group with minimum 76% of HF genes. For the herd, the heritability coefficient for milk yield for the 305- day-long period (h2) was 0.468. The percent of the protein content in milk produced by cows with 50% of Holstein genes had a high heritability coefficient of 0.668. Only cows of the M. Chieftain line showed positive correlations between the fat content in milk produced by mothers and daughters, and positive correlations between the protein content in milk produced by cows of the W. B. Ideal and M. Chieftain lines was found. With an increase in percent of Holstein breed genes (HF) from 25 to 75% and more, there were no significant differences in milk yield among first-calf cows (they amounted to 5,424 ± 83 – 5,520 ± 116 kg of milk). The percentage of fat and protein in milk for the whole herd was positively interconnected (r = + 0.460). On average, daughters exceeded their mothers by 23.3% in terms of milk yield and by 2.0% in terms of the percentage of fat content in milk (of the trait value). The quantity of milk fat and protein increased by 25.8 and 22.5%, respectively. Based on the research results, it has been concluded that the Holstein breed has a positive effect on the productive traits of dairy cattle, but technology optimization is required to continue selection activities.

The herbage intake and milk production of strip- and zero-grazed dairy cows

1962 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. D. Greenhalgh ◽  
K. V. Runcie
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Energy Cost ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Free Grazing ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Friesian Cows

1. A group of four Ayrshire and four Friesian cows was strip grazed on a cocksfoot-dominant sward while a second, similar group was zero grazed on herbage cut from the same field. The experiment consisted of five 10-day periods, two in the spring and three in the summer.2. The intakes of all cows were calculated from values for faeces output, estimated by using chromic oxide, and for herbage digestibility, estimated from faeces nitrogen. The regressions used for predicting digestibility were determined with the zero-grazed cows, digestibility coefficients being calculated from measured intake and estimated faeces output values.3. Over the whole experiment there was no difference between treatments in milk yield, herbage digestibility or intake. The solids-not-fat content of the milk of strip-grazed cows was significantly higher than for zero-grazed cows.4. In both spring and summer the increasing maturity of the herbage caused declines from one period to the next in herbage digestibility and intake, and there were declines also in milk yield and solids-not-fat content. The declines were greater for the zero-grazed cows, apparently because they, unlike the strip-grazed animals, were unable to select the more digestible and palatable components of mature herbage. The effects of selective grazing on digestibility, however, were evidently small, for the difference in between the treatment groups was never greater than one unit.5. The estimated energy intakes of both treatment groups corresponded quite well with their theoretical requirements of energy for maintenance, milk production and live-weight gain, and there was no evidence of the energy cost of free grazing being appreciably greater than that of zero grazing.

scholarly journals PRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF COWS OF DIFFERENT BREEDING GROUPS OF THE BUKOVINSKY FACTORY OF THE UKRAINIAN RED-AND-WHITE DAIRY BREED

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 ◽  
pp. 60-66
Author(s):  
O. I. Liubynskyi ◽  
R. V. Kasprov
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Breeding Group ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Dairy Breed

The studies were conducted on the materials of the breeding record of the breeding plant of JSC "Mirne" of Chernivtsi region - the basic farm of the Bukovyna factory type of the Ukrainian red-speckled dairy breed. 360 cows were selected for analysis, based on live weight, yields, fat and protein content of milk, total milk fat and protein content. The intensification of dairy cattle breeding necessitates the systematic evaluation of animals in herds and populations on the basis of economically useful traits. Analysis of the productive qualities of the cows of the different breeding groups showed that, by live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, the two-breed (II breeding group) animals were better than the three-breed (I breeding group). The difference for the first lactation was 11.2; 32.9; 1.5; 1.0 kg respectively. In cows with the second lactation, the pattern remained, the difference was 22.2; 395.8; 15.8; 13.1 kg respectively, and for the third lactation – 31.4; 124.3; 4.8; 4.2 kg. The fat and protein content of milk varied between 3.88–3.89% and 3.33–3.34%, respectively. It should be noted that in cows of both groups there was a decrease in milk milk yield with increasing number of lactations.An evaluation of the productive qualities of the first-born cows of the different lines showed that Marshall's first-borns were better in live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein, although they were inferior to other lines in terms of fat and protein content. In the firstborn of the Hanover Red line, the estimated values were lower than in animals of other lines, in particular – by live weight by 11.4 kg, milk yield by 1115.2 kg, milk fat by 44.1 kg, milk protein by 37.2 kg (Chif line), by 5.4; 1336.5; 52.7; 45.2 kg (Starbuck line) and 14.7; 1465; 55.1; 48.3 kg (Marshall Line).The effectiveness of breeding for increasing dairy productivity of cows depends on the efficiency of selection and selection of animals, taking into account the phenotypic and genetic correlation between economically beneficial traits. It was found that the highest positive values of correlation coefficients were observed in the cows of the studied groups between milk yield and protein content in the context of all lactations – 1st breeding group (r = 0,12–0,25), 2 nd breeding group (r = 0.19–0.3). In the cows of the first breeding group for the first and second lactations revealed not high but positive correlation of milk yield with live weight (r = 0.33–0.49). In the cows of the second breeding group for the first and second lactation positive correlation with milk fat content was found.The first positive cows of different lines showed the highest positive values of the correlation coefficients between milking and protein content (r = 0.19–0.43). There was also a low positive correlation of milk yield with live weight in the firstborn of all evaluated lines (r = 0.03–0.09), as well as milk fat content in cows of Starbuck and Marshall lines.Conclusions. 1. By live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, two-bovine cows of the Bukovyna factory type of Ukrainian red-speckled dairy breed were better than three-born. The fat and protein content of milk varied between 3.88–3.89% and 3.33–3.34%, respectively. In cows of both groups there was a decrease in milk yield with increasing number of lactations.2. By live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, Marshall Line firsts were better, although they were inferior to other lines in terms of fat and protein content. In the firstborn of the Hanover Red line, the estimates were lower than in other line animals.3. The highest positive values of correlation coefficients were observed between milk yield and protein content in the context of all lactations in the cows of Bukovyna factory type of Ukrainian red-rippled dairy breed. In two breeds of cows for the first and second lactation revealed not high but positive correlation of milk yield with live weight, and in three breeds for the first and second lactation positive correlation of milk yield with fat content.

scholarly journals Features of monocytes dynamics amount in blood of pigs with different types of higher nervous activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (83) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
V.O. Trokoz ◽  
A.V. Trokoz
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Weak Type ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Repeated Administration ◽  
Immunological Reactivity ◽  
Specific Immunity ◽  
Higher Nervous Activity ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Wbc Count ◽  
Research Period

The aim of this research was to figure out the level and character of typological nervous system features influence on immunological reactivity manifestation in pigs, in particularly dynamics of monocytes count in plasma under the influence of biological stimulation (vaccination against Swine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome). Swine groups of Strong Balanced Agile, Strong Balanced Inert, Strong Unbalanced and Weak types of higher nervous activity were formed for te experiment. Within the research period WBC count was performed for blood of these animals (in Goryaev`s camera), particularly relative monocytes count was determined along with calculation of absolute figure of monocyte contents. It was investigated that the smallest relative monocytes amount is characteristic for pigs of Weak type of higher nervous system. It might be the evidence that the animals with Strong Balanced Agile type of higher nervous activity possess much more potent non-specific immunity, on the other hand animals of Weak type – the poorest. The strongest straight correlation of relative monocytes amount was investigated to force of cortical processes. Nevertheless, participation in regulation of monocytes content in blood of pigs with different types of higher nervous activity also have taken agility and balance of excitation and inhibition processes. Biological stimuli influence is strengthens mentioned connections, but most of all with force of cortical processes. Repeated biological stimuli sharply lower the correlation of the relative monocytes amount to other properties of excitation and inhibition processes in cerebral hemispheres cortex. Further, relationships are renewed and in 28th day after repeated administration of antigen to animals coefficients of correlation are close to initial ones, especially towards cortical processes` force. This certifies that animals of Strong Balanced Agile type of higher nervous activity firstly react non-specifically on biological stimuli, and those reactions is strong enough to protect them against damaging factor. For animals with Weak type such reaction is not typical. That is why those animals have to be treated with cautions during veterinary and husbandry performances. Further research in the direction of finding out the features of non-specific immunity in animals of different types of higher nervous activity and the effect on these indicators of autonomic nervous system excitability will be carried out.

scholarly journals Influence of the type of higher nervous activity on milk yield and the productive longevity of mares

2021 ◽  
Vol 935 (1) ◽  
pp. 012032
Author(s):  
E D Chirgin ◽  
V G Semenov ◽  
E N Ivanova
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Weak Type ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Horse Breed ◽  
Horse Breeding ◽  
Russian Research Institute ◽  
Higher Nervous Activity ◽  
Economic Use ◽  
Russian Research

Abstract The presented work is the result of studies of the influence of the type of higher nervous activity on the dairy productivity of mares of the Russian heavy draft horse breed on stationary koumiss farms. To determine the types of higher nervous activity, a motor-food technique developed by the All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding was used. The milk yield was counted at animals for the first lactation, for the highest lactation, on average for one lactation and a lifelong milk yield of mares. The milk yield on average for lactation is almost the same in mares with a strong balanced mobile type and with a strong unbalanced type of higher nervous activity. Animals of a weak type and a strong balanced inert type of higher nervous activity lag behind them in this indicator by 11-13%. Horses with a strong balanced mobile type, a strong unbalanced type and a weak type of higher nervous activity are most suitable for the duration of economic use and lifelong milk production. The mares with a strong balanced inert type of higher nervous activity are the least productive in terms of duration of economic use and lifelong milk yield on koumiss farms.

scholarly journals ASSOCIATIVE RELATIONSHIPS OF KAPPA-CASEIN, BETA-LACTOGLOBULIN, LEPTIN AND SOMATOTROPIN GENOTYPES WITH DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY IN SIMMENTAL BREED

2020 ◽  
pp. 58-67
Author(s):  
Yelena Boyko ◽  
Vladimir Rossokha ◽  
Oksana Drobyazko ◽  
Yelyzaveta Oliinychenko ◽  
Elena Zaderikhina
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Cattle Population ◽  
Breeding Work ◽  
Animal Milk ◽  
Simmental Cattle ◽  
Productive Traits ◽  
Beta Lactoglobulin

In order to determine the productivity of Simmental cattle population, genotyping of animals by genes associated with economically useful traits was carried out. The application of results in planning long-term selection and breeding work, considering genotypes of breeding bulls was proposed. Polymorphism of kappa-casein (κ-Cn), beta-lactoglobulin (βLG), leptin (LEP) and somatotropin (GH) genes in Simmental cattle population (The breeding facility “Krasniy Velikan”) was performed using of PCR-RFLP method. The level of productivity on milk yield, fat and protein content in milk was established. The combination of genotypes in the Simmental cattle population was determined on the basis of marking hereditary information by genes of quantitative traits to increase the productive potential of animals. In the studied population of Simmental breed polymorphisms were found to be polymorphic in all studied genes. The connection of controlled genes with indicators of animal milk productivity is established. Genotypes BB (κ-Cn), AA (βLG), BA (GH) and AB (LEP) were characterized by the highest rates of milk yield during the first lactation, genotypes AB (κ-Cn), AA (βLG), BA (GH) and AA (LEP) – the highest fat content in milk, genotypes AA (κ-Cn), BB (βLG), BA (GH) - the highest protein content in milk. The analysis of associative connections of the main productive traits of Simmental cattle with polymorphism of genes of kappa-casein, growth hormone, leptin and beta-lactoglobulin makes it possible to establish the most desirable complex genotypes: κ- to increase the fat content of milk, κ-CnAAGHBALEPAA / ABΒlgBA in selection to increase the protein content in milk. It is shown that in order to increase the productivity of Simmental cattle populations it is necessary to genotype breeding animals by genes associated with economically useful traits and apply the results when planning long-term plans for breeding work considering the genotypes of breeding bulls.

Effects of nutrition in pregnancy and in lactation on milk yield in ewes

1971 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. T. Treacher
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Weight Losses ◽  
M 10 ◽  
The Difference ◽  
H 30 ◽  
In Pregnancy

SUMMARY1. Dorset Horn ewes were fed individually to make high (H) and low (L) gains in weight in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. The gains were 20% (H) and 10% (L) of the live weight in week 14 of pregnancy for ewes with twin foetuses, and 16% (H) and 6% (L) for ewes with a single foetus. Three levels of intake imposed during lactation were denned as low (L) 15·0, medium (M) 22·5, and high (H) 30·0 g of feed dry matter/kg of ewe live weight in week 14 of pregnancy. The lambs were removed 12 to 16 hours after parturition and the ewes were machine-milked twice daily for the first 6 weeks of lactation.2. Ewes making low gains in pregnancy produced lambs with slightly lower birth weights but the difference was not significant for either twins or singles. Pregnancy treatment had no effect on milk yield or live-weight change in lactation, but fat content was increased in milk from ewes on the H treatment in pregnancy (8·06% v. 7·46%).3. Level of feeding during lactation did not significantly affect milk yields. The total yields in the first 6 weeks of lactation were (L) 49·4 kg, (M) 60·8 kg and (H) 62·7 kg. However, there were significant effects on milk composition. The treatment means for fat content were (L) 8·34%, (M) 8·05% and (H) 6·84% and for solids-not-fat content were (L) 10·04%, (M) 10·37% and (H) 10·82%.4. Live-weight losses in lactation were (L) 9·1 kg, (M) 6·3 kg and (H) 3·2 kg.

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