Estimation of milk production in suckling mares and factors influencing their milk yield.

The research article investigates the factors influencing milk yield in mares and the efficiency of commonly used measuring methods over a two-year study. Findings reveal that a mare’s age, parity (number of times a mare has foaled), and live weight after foaling significantly impact milk yield. However, the study finds that the Weight-Suckle-Weight (WSW) method may not be the most accurate means of estimating milk yield.

Study Overview

• The study was conducted over two years (2018–2019) on 65 mares, out of which 51 were multiparous (had multiple foals) and 13 were primiparous (had only one foal).
• Mares and foals were kept in a group at pasture, and milk yield was measured at five different times during the lactation period: 3, 30, 60, 90, and 180 days.
• To measure milk yield, the researchers used two methods — milking and the Weight-Suckle-Weight (WSW) method.

Correlation between Milking and WSW Method

• The researchers analyzed the relationship between the milking method and the WSW method to evaluate the validity of the WSW method.
• They found a correlation between these two methods at the early lactation stage (3rd day) but not at other points in the lactation period. This suggests that the WSW method may not be reliable for estimating yield throughout lactation.

Factors Influencing Milk Yield

• Analyses were conducted to identify the factors influencing milk yield. Factors considered included the mare’s live weight 24 hours after foaling, the age of the mare, number of foaling experiences (parity), the year of lactation, and the foal’s gender.
• Findings revealed that the mare’s age, parity, and live weight after foaling significantly impact milk production. Older mares, as well as those who have given birth multiple times, produced higher milk yield. Additionally, mares with higher live weight after foaling produced more milk than those with lower live weight.

Implications

• The findings of the research suggest that the Weight-Suckle-Weight (WSW) method may not be an accurate method for estimating milk yield in mares.
• The research further stresses the influence of age, parity, and post-partum weight on the milk yield of mares, findings that align with previous research and give further validity to these factors.
• This study provides valuable insights for the industry particularly in terms of breeding and husbandry practices, as well as for mare milk producers.