Influence of Diet and Lactation Duration on the Physicochemical Composition of Sheep Milk in El Oued (Algeria) Region

Abstract

This study evaluated the composition of colostrum and milk in ewes from two farms in the El Oued (Algeria) region, with a focus on fat, protein, and dry matter contents during different stages of lactation. Results from colostrum analysis revealed similar fat and protein levels between the two farms, while Farm I exhibited a higher dry matter content. During lactation, fat and protein concentrations were higher in Farm I compared to Farm II on days 10 and 30, but equalized by day 70. In contrast, dry matter content was comparable between the two farms on days 10 and 70, with Farm II surpassing Farm I on day 30. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between milk composition (fat, protein, and dry matter) and lactation time, indicating a progressive decline of these parameters throughout the lactation period. These findings highlight farm-related variations and the temporal decline in sheep milk quality, which may be critical for optimizing nutritional management and dairy production.