Changes in Chemical and Mineral Contents of Awassi Ewes’ Milk During Lactation

Authors: NURAY ŞAHAN, DİLEK SAY, ALİ KAÇAR

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and mineral contents of Awassi ewes’ milk during lactation. Morning milks of 150 Awassi ewes were taken once a week during 18 weeks of lactation. Mean values obtained from analyses of the ewes’ milk samples were 17.54% ± 1.35 for dry matter; 6.61% ± 1.33 for fat; 10.93% ± 0.44 for non-fat dry matter; 5.68% ± 0.48 for protein; 4.34% ± 0.27 for lactose and 99.05 ± 11.63 kcal/100 g for energy value; 0.149% ± 0.008 for titratable acidity; 6.72 ± 0.42 for pH; and 1.0334 ± 0.001 g/cm^3 for specific gravity. The contents of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sodium of the samples were 395.2 ± 97.58 mg/100 g, 138.7 ± 22.38 mg/100 g, 119.9 ± 36.54 mg/100 g, 19.5 ± 1.65 mg/100 g, and 74.3 ± 11.75 mg/100 g, respectively. Results of the statistical analyses indicated significant lactational effects on the contents of dry matter, fat, and sodium (P < 0.01) and energy value, pH, titratable acidity, and specific gravity (P < 0.05).

Keywords: Awassi ewes’ milk, lactation, chemical composition, minerals

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