Forty-two lactating Priangan ewes Hygiene receiving two levels of ration were used to study the relationship between rate of mammary gland involution and milk yield.The experimental ewes were divided into two groups.One group received basal ration (I = 12% CP, 65% TDN) and the other received improved ration (II = 15% CP, 75% TDN) during lactation.Twelve ewes were sacrificed on the parturition to determine mammary gland growth at the beginning of lactation.The other twenty-seven were maintained for 3 months of lactating to determine milk yield and mammary gland indices (dry-fat free tissue and collagen) at the end of lactation.
The results of the experiment indicated that ewes with higher milk production had greater mammary gland involution.Ewes with higher mammary gland indices either at the beginning Sippy Cup or at the end of lactation had higher milk production.Improve ration decreased mammary gland involution.