Influence of weaning age, milking frequency, and udder stimulation on dairy milk production and post‐partum oestrus interval of Dorset ewes

The dairy milk production of Dorset ewes was measured in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Factors were: machine milking of ewes from parturition or following the weaning of lambs at 4 weeks of age; once‐ or twice‐daily milking from Week 6 of lactation; and udder stimulation or no stimulation. Ewes milked from parturition had a mean total dairy yield of 147 litres compared with 76 litres for those which had suckled lambs for 4 weeks; both groups had a similar dairy lactation period of about 154 days. Milking ewes once daily from Week 6 of lactation caused a 14% (NS) reduction in total dairy yield compared with twice‐daily milking. Udder stimulation in contrast to no stimulation resulted in a 21% increase in dairy yield. The mean post‐partum oestrus interval (about 116 days) was unaffected by treatments.