Characterization of the lactation curve and milk quality in Santa Cruz sheep (Ovis aries)

Abstract

Milk production and quality during lactation in hair sheep is vital to lamb survival and maintenance. Despite their importance, little data is currently available on these characteristics. An experiment was done to characterize the lactation curve and milk quality in ewes of the Santa Cruz hair sheep breed. Animals were 18 multiparous ewes that had lambed within four days. Milk production was recorded every 72 h from 6 to 60 d postpartum (dpp), and milk quality was quantified once a week from a sample of the day's total production. Milk production was 1.95 L at 6 dpp, 2.31 L at 12 dpp and 1.01 at 57 dpp. Total solids were 18% at week two and increased to 20.5 % at week eight. Milkfat was 8% at week two and increased to 9.8 % at week eight. The protein (4.86 to 5.18 %) and lactose (4.68 to 4.74 %) percentages remained relatively uniform throughout lactation. Milk production in Santa Cruz ewes is highest in the second week of lactation and then decreases steadily and gradually. Milk total solids and fat percentages increased over time, while protein and lactose percentages remained constant.