Milk yield and quality characteristics of Cinisara and Modicana cows reared on a farm in the province of Palermo (Sicily-Italy)

Introduction: In Italy there are a large number of indigenous breeds at high risk of extinction. These include the Modicana and Cinisara cows that are native to Sicily and are included in the “Register of native cattle breeds of limited diffusion”. Aim: The present study investigates the variability of the main quality parameters of milk from two Sicilian cow genotypes regarding the physiological and environmental factors that affect milk production. Materials and methods: 99 individual Modicana and 87 Cinisara milk samples were taken. The cows were different in terms of parity and lactation and were reared on pasture on the same farm in the province of Palermo at 1077 meters above sea level. Milk yield, total protein, lipids (MilkoScan, Italian Foss Electric, Padova, Italy), and somatic cell count (SCC) (n*1000/ml of milk) (Fossomatic, Italian Foss Electric, Padova, Italy) were evaluated for each individual. Results and discussion: Higher milk yields were recorded before 60 days of lactation, in summer and autumn, when the majority of births are concentrated. Fat and protein percentages remained constant during lactation. SCC did not vary significantly and was below the maximum limit identified for bulk milk by current legislation. The Modicana and Cinisara milk was richer in fat and protein than other more specialized dairy breeds. Despite Cinisara presenting a higher somatic cell linear score (LS) than Modicana. The higher values of LS found in Cinisara than in Modicana might be due to the shape of the udder which in Cinisara has thicker and large teats which makes milking more difficult. However, the LS showed no changes either in the course of lactation, nor in terms of parity. Conclusions: Milk yield was not high Modicana and Cinisara compared other more specialized dairy breed, however they produce more concentrated milk, higher in protein and fat. These are important characteristics since Modicana and Cinisara milk is intended for the production of typical cheeses. In Cinisara and Modicana cows the production was affected by season. An improvement of use of pastoral resources may favour a constant milk yield and quality. The data from the study would help to preserve and improve the traits of these native breeds which are indispensable for the development of regions and marginal pastures of Sicily, and for the preservation of animal biodiversity