Milk Inducting in Non-Lactating Ewes (OvisAries) in Off-Breeding Season

Sayed Qadir Danishiar; Jahid Zabuli; Habibullah Rahamani; Mohammadullah Arghandiwal

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.566

Authors

Sayed Qadir Danishiar Kabul University, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan
Jahid Zabuli Kabul University, Department of Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
Habibullah Rahamani Kabul University, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan
Mohammadullah Arghandiwal Kabul University, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.566

Keywords:

Estrogen, Milk production, Non-lactating ewes, Progesterone

Abstract

Turkish ewes (Ovis aries) milk production is limited by seasonal breeding patterns, resulting in reduced milk availability during the off-breeding season when ewes are neither pregnant nor lactating. This study aimed to evaluate a hormonal protocol for inducing lactation and assess mammary gland development, milk production and composition, and physiological responses. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, Afghanistan, from 23 August–14 September 2025. Eight dry, non-pregnant Turkish ewes received estradiol benzoate and progesterone during Days 1–7, dexamethasone, and udder massage during Days 1–10. Udder length, rectal temperature, milk yield, milk composition, and behavioral responses were evaluated. We analyzed data using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation, while one-way ANOVA and repeated-measures ANOVA assessed differences, with LSD tests for multiple comparisons. Udder length increased from 2.87 ± 1.72 cm on Day 1 to 6.85 ± 2.19 cm on Day 23 (P < 0.001). Milk yield ranged from 10 to 130 mL per 24 h, and protein differed significantly from the reference value (P = 0.002). Overall, the findings support increased milk production and improved farm economics.

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