Milk productivity of mares.

Milk productivity and quality of Kazakh Adai mares were studied to assess their suitability for kumis production, focusing on milk composition changes during lactation and the impact of selective breeding on udder shape and offspring traits.

Research Objective and Context

• The study aimed to evaluate milk productivity of Kazakh horses of the Adai intra-breed type, specifically in the Mangyshlak peninsula region of Kazakhstan.
• Focus was placed on characteristics relevant to kumis (fermented mare’s milk) production under local conditions.
• The investigation involved mares from “Taushyk” LLP, Tupkaragan District, Mangystau Region.

Milk Productivity and Composition Findings

• Mares with notably higher milk production were selected for analysis.
• The study closely examined milk sugar content dynamics throughout the lactation period, especially lactose concentration.
• Lactose levels remained relatively stable during the first two months of lactation.
• The peak lactose concentration was observed in the fourth month of lactation.
• Following this peak, lactose concentration declined in subsequent months.
• The milk from Kazakh Adai mares demonstrated a high content of both fat and lactose, important factors for successfully producing kumis.

Selection and Breeding Outcomes

• The research assessed the effect of udder shape-based selective breeding on offspring characteristics.
• Two udder shapes were analyzed: cup-shaped and rounded.
• Homogeneous mating (cup-shaped x cup-shaped) resulted in about 70% of daughters inheriting cup-shaped udders and 30% rounded.
• Heterogeneous mating (rounded x cup-shaped) led to roughly 60% cup-shaped and 40% rounded udder offspring.
• This indicates that selective pairing affects the prevalence of udder shapes in the progeny, which is relevant for milk yield and processing suitability.

Implications of the Study

• Characterizing milk composition over lactation helps optimize timing and processing for kumis production.
• High lactose and fat contents of the mare’s milk affirm its suitability for traditional fermented products.
• Selective breeding based on udder morphology is an effective strategy to increase the proportion of mares with favorable milk-producing traits.
• Findings support breeding and technological decisions that can improve both milk yield and quality, sustaining kumis production in the region.