The Effect of the Lactation Stage on Milk Yield, Composition and Renneting Parameters of Milk in Sheep Reared Under Intensive Nutrition

Abstract

The aim of our experiment was to assess changes in milk yield, composition and renneting parameters (pH, titratable acidity, coagulation time and curd quality) of sheep milk in the course of lactation and their relationships in the Lacaune ewes (n = 8), reared under intensive nutrition. The stage of lactation (SL) had a conclusive effect on the daily milk yield (DMY) and contents of all basic milk compounds. The DMY and fat content were relatively high during whole lactation. In our opinion these trends were influenced by the quite intensive nutrition. The SL had inconclusive effect on pH. In contrast, the SL had a conclusive effect on titratable acidity (TA) of milk. The correlations between the pH and all other indicators, with the exception of the coagulation time (CT), were inconclusive. Also most correlations between the TA and all other indicators monitored were inconclusive. The SL had inconclusive effect on the CT and curd quality (CQ). In our opinion, relatively balanced values of the CT and CQ during lactation indicate on the good health state and correct nutrition of ewes.

Keywords

• stage of lactation
• sheep milk
• milk composition
• coagulation time
• curd quality
• Lacaune breed