Effects of Feeding Management System on Milk Production and Milk Quality from Sheep of the Turcana Breed

Abstract

Milk and dairy products are among the foods preferred by consumers, as they are rich in nutrients, have high biological values, are easily accessible, and present a low risk to health. This study aimed to comparatively analyze the milk from sheep of the Turcana breed that were subjected to different feeding systems. The milk from the sheep was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively; in this sense, the following were determined: daily milk production (DMY), physical parameters (pH, freezing point), chemical composition (lactose (L), fats (F), total proteins (TP), non-fat solids (Snf)), the content of heavy metals and trace elements (Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb), and microbiological parameters (the number of somatic cells (SCC), the total number of aerobic mesophilic germs that develop at 30 °C (NTG), the number of coliform bacteria (CT), the number of Staphylococcus aureus). Administration of the fodder complex produced, on the farm determined a slight quantitative increase in milk production, as well as in fat, protein and lactose content. The content of trace elements Zn, Fe, and Mn registered increases in milk samples from sheep that were administered the fodder complex. The content of heavy metals did not indicate any source of pollution in the grazing area. Furthermore, the microbiological parameters were within the allowed limits, indicating a good general state of health at the emergency level and the absence of microbiological contamination of the milk samples.

Keywords: heavy metals; microorganisms; milk; nutrition; quality; sheep.