Nutritional value and factors affecting milk production and milk composition from dairy sheep: A review
Main Article Content
Abstract
Sheep milk contains much higher concentrations of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins than milk from other common domestic species such as cows and goats. High nutritional value and lower allergic sensitization compared to cow milk make sheep milk an ideal source of nutrition for humans. Moreover, advantages in physicochemical characteristics also make sheep milk a very good raw material for processing, especially in cheese making. However, dairy sheep industry remains small in many regions of the world, mostly due to restricted genetics and limited milk production. Milk yield and composition are influenced by various factors including genetic parameters, dietary nutrient composition, parity, lambing season, milking frequency, and stage of lactation. Future research on dairy sheep in different production systems especially in developing countries and new genes regulating milk production and quality need to be undertaken.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
Abd Allah, M., Abass, S., & Allam, F. M. (2011). Factors affecting the milk yield and composition of Rahmani and Chios sheep. International Journal of Livestock Production, 2(3), 24-30.
Antonacci, L. E., Bussetti, M., Rodriguez, M. A., Cano, A. V., & Gagliostro, G. A. (2018). Effect of diet Supplementation with combinations of soybean and linseed oils on milk production and fatty acid profile in lactating dairy ewes. Agricultural Sciences, 9(2), 200-220. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2018.92015
Astruc, J. M., Barillet, F., Barbat, A., Clément, V., & Boichard, D. (2002). Genetic evaluation of dairy sheep in France. Paper presented at the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France.
Balthazar, C. F., Pimentel, T. C., Ferrão, L. L., Almada, C. N., Santillo, A., Albenzio, M., . . . Cruz, A. G. (2017). Sheep Milk: Physicochemical Characteristics and Relevance for Functional Food Development. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 16(2), 247-262. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12250
Barillet, F. (2007). Genetic improvement for dairy production in sheep and goats. Small Ruminant Research, 70(1), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2007.01.004
Bauman, D.E. & Vernon, R.G. (1993). Effects of exogenous bovine somatotropin on lactation. Annual Review of Nutrition, 13, 437-461.
Bencini, R., Knight, T. W., & Hartmann, P. E. (2003). Secretion of milk and milk components in sheep. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 43(6), 529-534. https://doi.org/10.1071/EA02092
Bencini, R., 1999. Development of speciality sheep milk dairy products. Rural Industries Research and development Corporation (RIRDC) publication No. 99/69
Berger, Y.M. & Thomas, D.L. (1997). Early experimental results for growth of East Friesian crossbred lambs and reproduction and milk production of East Friesian crossbred ewes. In: 3rd Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Berry, D.P., Buckley, F., Dillon, P., Evans, R.D., Rath, M. & Veerkamp, R.F. (2003). Genetic relationships among body condition score, body weight, milk yield, and fertility in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(6), 2193-2204.
Bocquier, F. & Caja, G. (2001). Effects of nutrition on ewes' milk quality. Productions Animales, 14(2), 129-140.
Bodas, R., Manso, T., Mantecon, A. R., Juarez, M., De la Fuente, M. A., & Gomez-Cortes, P. (2010). Comparison of the fatty acid profiles in cheeses from ewes fed diets supplemented with different plant oils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(19), 10493-10502. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf101760u
Broderick, G. A. (2003). Effects of varying dietary protein and energy levels on the production of lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 86(4), 1370-1381. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73721-7
Broderick, G. A., & Clayton, M. K. (1997). A statistical evaluation of animal and nutritional factors influencing concentrations of milk urea nitrogen. Journal of Dairy Science, 80, 2964-2971.
Buccioni, A., Serra, A., Minieri, S., Mannelli, F., Cappucci, A., Benvenuti, D., Rapaccini, S., Conte, G., & Mele, M. (2015). Milk production, composition, and milk fatty acid profile from grazing sheep fed diets supplemented with chestnut tannin extract and extruded linseed. Small Ruminant Research, 130, 200-207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.07.021
Caja, G., & Bocquier, F. (2000). Effects of nutrition on the composition of sheep's milk. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes, 55, 59-74.
Caldeira, R. M., Belo, A. T., Santos, C. C., Vazques, M. I., & Portugal, A. V. (2007). The effect of body condition score on blood metabolites and hormonal profiles in ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 68(3), 233-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2005.08.027
Cannas, A., & Boe, F. (2003). Prediction of the relationship between body weight and body condition score in sheep. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2(sup1), 527-529. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2003.11676065
Cannas, A., & Pulina, G. (2002). Nutritional strategies to improve lactation persistency. Nutritional strategies to improve lactation persistency. In: Proceedings of the Eighth Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium. Ithaca, NY, USA: pp: 17-59.
Cappio-Borlino, A., Portolano, B., Todaro, M., Macciotta, N. P. P., Giaccone, P., & Pulina, G. (1997). Lactation curves of Valle del Belice dairy ewes for yields of milk, fat, and protein estimated with test day models. Journal of Dairy Science, 80(11), 3023-3029. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(97)76269-6
Capra, S. ( 2006). Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand including recommended dietary intakes. Retrieved from Commonwealth of Australia: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/n35.pdf?
Caroprese, M., Casamassima, D., Pier Giacomo Rassu, S., Napolitano, F., & Sevi, A. (2009). Monitoring the on-farm welfare of sheep and goats. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 8(sup1), 343-354. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2009.s1.343
Carta, A., Casu, S., & Salaris, S. (2009). Invited review: Current state of genetic improvement in dairy sheep. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(12), 5814-5833. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2479
Colin, O., Laurent, F., & Vignon, B. (1992). Relations between soft cheese yield variations and milk-composition or coagulation parameter variations. Lait, 72(3), 307-319.
Collier, R.J., McGrath, M.F., Byatt, J.C., & Zurfluh, L.L. (1993). Regulation of mammary growth by peptide hormones: Involvement of receptors, growth factors and binding proteins. Livestock Production Science, 35(1-2), 21-33.
Domecq, J.J., Skidmore, A.L., Lloyd, J.W. & Kaneene, J.B. (1997). Relationship between body condition scores and milk yield in a large dairy herd of high yielding Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 80(1), 101-112.
FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 2019. Statistics database. Accessed March. 29, 2022. http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data.
FAOSTAT (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 2018. Statistics database. Accessed March. 29, 2022. http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data.
Galal, S., Gursoy, O., & Shaat, I. (2008). Awassi sheep as a genetic resource and efforts for their genetic improvement-A review. Small Ruminant Research, 79(2-3), 99-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.07.018
Gantner, V., Mijic, P., Baban, M., Skrtic, Z., & Turalija, A. (2015). The overall and fat composition of milk of various species. Mljekarstvo, 65(4), 223-231. https://doi.org/10.15567/mljekarstvo.2015.0401
Gerson, T., John, A., & King, A. S. D. (1985). The effects of dietary starch and fibre on the in vitro rates of lipolysis and hydrogenation by sheep rumen digesta. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 105(01), 27-30. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859600055659
Gonzalez, J. S., Robinson, J. J., McHattie, I., & Fraser, C. (1982). The effect in ewes of source and level of dietary-protein on milk-yield, and the relationship between the intestinal supply of non-ammonia nitrogen and the production of milk protein. Animal Production, 34, 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003356100000441
Gootwine, E., & Goot, H. (1996). Lamb and milk production of Awassi and East-Friesian sheep and their crosses under Mediterranean environment. Small Ruminant Research, 20(3), 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/0921-4488(95)00807-1
Haenlein, G. F. W. (2007). About the evolution of goat and sheep milk production. Small Ruminant Research, 68(1-2), 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.09.021
Huhtanen, P., & Hristov, A. N. (2009). A meta-analysis of the effects of dietary protein concentration and degradability on milk protein yield and milk N efficiency in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(7), 3222-3232. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1352
Hurtaud, C., Rulquin, H., Delaite, M., & Verite, R. (1995). Prediction of cheese yielding efficiency of individual milk of dairy cows correlation with coagulation parameters and laboratory curd yield. Annales de Zootechnie, 44(4), 385-398. https://doi.org/10.1051/animres:19950405
Jilek, F., Pytloun, P., Kubesova, M., Stipkova, M., Bouska, J. Volek, J., Frelich, J. & Rajmon, R. (2008). Relationships among body condition score, milk yield and reproduction in Czech Fleckvieh cows. Czech Journal of Animal Science, 53(9): 357-367.
Kalantzopoulos, G. C. (1993). Cheeses From Ewes’ and Goats’ Milk. In P. F. Fox (Ed.), Cheese: Chemistry, Physics and Microbiology: Volume 2 Major Cheese Groups (pp. 507-553). Boston, MA: Springer US.
Kennelly, J. J., Bell, J. A., Keating, A. F., & Doepel, L. (2005). Nutrition as a tool to alter milk composition. In Advances in Dairy Technology: proceedings of the 2005 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar.
Kenyon, P. R., Maloney, S. K., & Blache, D. (2014). Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 57(1), 38-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2013.857698
Kerstetter, J. E., Kenny, A. M., & Insogna, K. L. (2011). Dietary protein and skeletal health: a review of recent human research. Current Opinion in Lipidology, 22(1), 16-20. https://doi.org/10.1097/mol.0b013e3283419441
Kethireddipalli, P., & Hill, A. R. (2015). Rennet Coagulation and Cheesemaking Properties of Thermally Processed Milk: Overview and Recent Developments. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(43), 9389-9403. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf504167v
Laporta, J., Keil, K.P., Weaver, S.R., Cronick, C.M., Prichard, A.P., Crenshaw, T.D., Heyne, G.W., Vezina, C.M., Lipinski, R.J., & Hernandez, L.L. (2014). Serotonin regulates calcium homeostasis in lactation by epigenetic activation of hedgehog signaling. Molecular Endocrinology, 28(11), 1866-1874. https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2014-1204
Lykos, M.A., Fligger, J.M., Staley M.D., & Baumrucker, C.R. (2000). Autocrine insulin-like growth factor II inhibits beta-casein mRNA expression in a mammary cell line. Journal of Dairy Science, 83(2): 285-295. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(00)74876-4
Markiewicz-Keszycka, M., Czyzak-Runowska, G., Lipinska, P., & Wojtowski, J. (2013). Fatty acid profile of milk - a review. Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy, 57(2), 135-139. https://doi.org/10.2478/bvip-2013-0026
Masoodi, T., & Shafi, G. (2010). Analysis of casein alpha S1 & S2 proteins from different mammalian species. Bioinformation, 4, 430-435. https://dx.doi.org/10.6026%2F97320630004430
Mele, M., Buccioni, A., & Serra, A. (2005). Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) and Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC) requirements in the nutrition of dairy ewes. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 4(sup1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2005.1s.45
Mikolayunas, C., Thomas, D. L., Armentano, L. E., & Bergert, Y. M. (2011). Effect of rumen-undegradable protein supplementation and fresh forage composition on nitrogen utilization of dairy ewes. Journal of Dairy Science, 94(1), 416-425. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3656
Mikolayunas, C. M., Thomas, D. L., Albrecht, K. A., Combs, D. K., Berger, Y. M., & Eckerman, S. R. (2008). Effects of supplementation and stage of lactation on performance of grazing dairy ewes. Journal of Dairy Science, 91(4), 1477-1485. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0466
Morgan-Davies, C., Waterhouse, A., Pollock, M. L., & Milner, J. M. (2008). Body condition score as an indicator of ewe survival under extensive conditions. Animal Welfare, 17(1), 71-77.
Mughetti, L., Sinesio, F., Acuti, G., Antonini, C., Moneta, E., Peparaio, M., & Trabalza-Marinucci, M. (2012). Integration of extruded linseed into dairy sheep diets: Effects on milk composition and quality and sensorial properties of Pecorino cheese. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 178(1-2), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2012.09.005
Natel, A. S., Siqueira, E. R., Meireles, P. R., Martins, M. B., Almeida, M. T., & Fernandes, S. (2013). Effect of inclusion of NDF in ration of Bergamasca ewes in lactation about the milk production and composition. Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2(3), 19-23.
National Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Australia Government. (2013). Australian dietary guidelines educator guide. Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: Canberra, Australia, 2013. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/adg
National Health and Medical Research Council, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Australia Government. (2006). Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand including Recommended Dietary Intakes; Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: Canberra, Australia, 2006. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/nutrient-reference-values-australia-and-new-zealand-including-recommended-dietary-intakes
Nguyen, Q.V., Le, V.H., Nguyen, D.V., Malau-Aduli, B.S., Nichols, P.D. and Malau-Aduli, A.E.O. (2018). Supplementing grazing dairy ewes with plant-derived oil and rumen-protected EPA+DHA pellets enhances health-beneficial n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in sheep milk. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 120(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.201700256
Novotná, L., Kuchtík, J., ustová, K., Zapletal, D., & Filipík, R. (2009). Effects of lactation stage and parity on milk yield, composition and properties of organic sheep milk. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 36(1), 71-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2009.9707034
Nudda, A., Battacone, G., Bencini, R., & Pulina, G. (2004). Nutrition and milk quality. In G. Pulina (Ed.), Dairy sheep nutrition (pp. 197-228). Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK: CABI Publishing.
Nudda, A., Feligini, M., Battacone, G., Macciotta, N.P.P., & Pulina, G. (2003). Effects of lactation stage, parity, β-lactoglobulin genotype and milk SCC on whey protein composition in Sarda dairy ewes. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2(1), 29-39. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2003.29
Nudda, A., Bencini, R., Mijatovic, S., & Pulina, G. (2002). The yield and composition of milk in Sarda, Awassi, and Merino sheep milked unilaterally at different frequencies. Journal of Dairy Science, 85(11), 2879-2884. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74375-0
Palmquist, D. L. (1994). The role of dietary fats in effeciency of ruminants. Journal of Nutrition, 124(8), 1377-1382. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/124.suppl_8.1377s
Palmquist, D. L., Beaulieu, A. D., & Barbano, D. M. (1993). Feed and animal factors influencing milk-fat composition. Journal of Dairy Science, 76(6), 1753-1771. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(93)77508-6
Park, Y. W., Haenlein, G. F. W., & Wendorff, W. L. (2017). Handbook of Milk of Non-Bovine Mammals (2 ed.): John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Park, Y. W., Juarez, M., Ramos, M., & Haenlein, G. F. W. (2007). Physico-chemical characteristics of goat and sheep milk. Small Ruminant Research, 68(1-2), 88-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.09.013
Pellegrini, O., Remeuf, F., Rivemale, M., & Barillet, F. (1997). Renneting properties of milk from individual ewes: Influence of genetic and non-genetic variables, and relationship with physicochemical characteristics. Journal of Dairy Research, 64(3), 355-366. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029997002203
Phythian, C.J., Michalopoulou, E., Jones, P.H., Winter, A.C., Clarkson, M.J., Stubbings, L.A., Grove-White, D., Cripps, P.J. & Duncan, J.S. (2011). Validating indicators of sheep welfare through a consensus of expert opinion. Animal, 5(6), 943-952. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1751731110002594
Pugliese, C., Acciaioli, A., Rapaccini, S., Parisi, G., & Franci, O. (1999). Evolution of chemical composition, somatic cell count and renneting properties of the milk of Massese ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 35(1), 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-4488(99)00070-X
Pulina, G., Milan, M. J., Lavin, M. P., Theodoridis, A., Morin, E., Capote, J., Thomas, D.L., Francesconi, A.H.D., & Caja, G. (2018). Invited review: Current production trends, farm structures, and economics of the dairy sheep and goat sectors. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(8), 6715-6729. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-14015
Pulina, G., Nudda, A., Macciotta, N. P. P., Battacone, G., Rassu, S. P. G., & Cannas, A. (2007). Non-nutritional factors affecting lactation persistency in dairy ewes: a review. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 6(2), 115-141. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2007.115
Pulina, G., Nudda, A., Battacone, G., & Cannas, A. (2006). Effects of nutrition on the contents of fat, protein, somatic cells, aromatic compounds, and undesirable substances in sheep milk. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 131(3-4), 255-291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.05.023
Pulina, G., Macciotta, N., & Nudda, A. (2005). Milk composition and feeding in the Italian dairy sheep. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 4, 5-14. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2005.1s.5
Pulina, G., Bencini, R., (2004). Dairy Sheep Nutrition. CABI Publisher, Wallingford, UK.
Purroy, A., & Jaime, C. (1995). The response of lactating and dry ewes to energy-intake and protein-source in the diet. Small Ruminant Research, 17(1), 17-24.
Russel, A. J. F., Doney, J. M., & Gunn, R. G. (1969). Subjective assessment of body fat in live sheep. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 72(03), 451-454.
Russell, J. B., O'Connor, J. D., Fox, D. G., Van Soest, P. J., & Sniffen, C. J. (1992). A net carbohydrate and protein system for evaluating cattle diets: I. Ruminal fermentation. Journal of Animal Science, 70(11), 3551-3561.
Scintu, M. F., & Piredda, G. (2007). Typicity and biodiversity of goat and sheep milk products. Small Ruminant Research, 68(1-2), 221-231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.09.005
Sevi, A., Taibi, L., Albenzio, M., Muscio, A., & Annicchiarico, G. (2000). Effect of parity on milk yield, composition, somatic cell count, renneting parameters and bacteria counts of Comisana ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 37(1-2), 99-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0921-4488(99)00133-9
Simopoulos, A. P. (2002). The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 56(8), 365-379. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0753-3322(02)00253-6
Thomas, D.L., Berger, Y.M. McKusick B.C., & Gottfredson, R.G. (2000). Comparison of East Friesian-crossbred and Lacaune-crossbred ewe lambs for dairy sheep production. In: Proceeding 6th Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium. Guelph, ON, Canada: pp: 10-16.
Thomas, D.L., Berger, Y.M., & McKusick, B.C. (1998). Milk and lamb production of East Friesian-cross ewes in Northwestern Wisconsin. In: Proc. 4th Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium. pp: 11-17.
Tomotake, H., Okuyama, R., Katagiri, M., Fuzita, M., Yamato, M., & Ota, F. (2006). Comparison between Holstein cow's milk and Japanese-Saanen goat's milk in fatty acid composition, lipid digestibility and protein profile. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 70(11), 2771-2774. https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.60267
Toral, P. G., Hervas, G., Gomez-Cortes, P., Frutos, P., Juarez, M., & de la Fuente, M. A. (2010). Milk fatty acid profile and dairy sheep performance in response to diet supplementation with sunflower oil plus incremental levels of marine algae. Journal of Dairy Science, 93(4), 1655-1667. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2769
Vazirigohar, M., Dehghan-Banadaky, M., Rezayazdi, K., Krizsan, S. J., Nejati-Javaremi, A., & Shingfield, K. J. (2014). Fat source and dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio influences milk fatty-acid composition in lactating cows. Animal, 8(1), 163-174. https://doi.org/10.1017/s175173111300181x
Wall, E.H., & McFadden, T.B. (2012). Triennial lactation symposium: A local affair: How the mammary gland adapts to changes in milking frequency. Journal of Animal Science, 90, 1695-1707.
Weaver, S.R., & Hernandez, L.L. (2016). Autocrine-paracrine regulation of the mammary gland. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(1), 842-853. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9828
Wilde, C.J., Addey, C.V.P., Bryson, J.M. Finch, L.M.B., Knight, C.H., & Peaker, M. (1998). Autocrine regulation of milk secretion. Biochemial Society Symposia, 90, 68-81.
Wilde, C.J., & Peaker, M. (1990). Autocrine control in milk secretion. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 114(03), 235-238. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021859600072592
Zymon, M., Strzetelski, J., & Skrzynski, G. (2014). Aspects of appropriate feeding of cows for production of milk enriched in the fatty acids, EPA and DHA. A review. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences, 23(2), 109-116. https://doi.org/10.22358/jafs/65698/2014