Milk Composition Traits of Hamdani Crossbreed Sheep Raised Under Extensive Management

This study aimed to reveal the milk composition traits of Hamdani crossbred sheep raised under extensive con0ditions. A total of 96 sheep milk samples were collected during early lactation stage. Mean values for milk fat (%), solid non-fat (SNF) (%), protein (%), lactose (%), salt (%) and pH, conductivity (mS cm^-1), freezing point (⸰C) and density (kg m^-3) in Hamdani crossbreed sheep were determined as 7.49±0.15, 8.69±0.08, 4.13±0.04, 3.89±0.04, 0.62±0.01, 6.93±0.04, 4.05±0.07, -0.5±0.01, 1.027.84±0.38 respectively. It was determined that the milk fat percentage in Hamdani crossbred sheep was higher than other native sheep breeds of Turkey. Negative and significant correlation was detected between milk fat and protein (r=-0.368. p<0.001), milk fat and SNF (r=-0.375. p<0.001), and milk fat and lactose (r=-0.380. p<0.001). Positive and significant correlations were detected between SNF and milk protein (r=0.999. p<0.001), SNF and salt (r=0.963. p<0.001), and SNF and lactose (r=0.976. p<0.001). In addition, phenotypic variation for milk fat percentage was found to be high among between individuals in the same flock. As a result, these findings may contribute to new studies to improve milk composition traits in Hamdani crossbred sheep.