Ewe Milk Research Articles

Effect of dietary milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) oil supplementation on animal performance and milk fatty acid composition in dairy ewes

Supplementation of ruminant diets with oils derived from plants has proved to be a good strategy for enhancing desirable milk fatty acids (FA) profile and improving yield. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of inclusion of milk thistle oil in dairy ewes’ rations, on animal performance and milk fatty acid composition. A total of 20 Greek mountain ewes, in second lactation, were allocated into two treatments. Treatments were 1) concentrate diet (control – CON) and 2) concentrate diet supplemented with 3 % (w/w) milk thistle oil (MTSO). Individual monthly milk samples were collected throughout the lactation period of the animals to determine the milk chemical composition and fatty acid profile. Supplementation with MTSO resulted in significantly higher milk yield (576.8 g vs 439.0 g for the CON group) (P < 0.05) and did not affect fat content. Regarding milk fatty acid composition, ewes on the MTSO treatment produced milk with significantly increased concentration of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, improving the nutritional value of milk. Major changes were observed in milk FA profile due to oil supplementation. Milk thistle oil significantly decreased concentration of saturated FA (SFA). Milk in ewes receiving the MTSO supplement showed an increase in milk conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9,trans-11) concentration. In conclusion, both milk quantity and quality were favourably affected by MTSO, suggesting that dietary MTSO could serve as a practical means to modify milk composition while improving its nutritional value.

Proteomic identification of ruminal epithelial protein expression profiles in response to starter feed supplementation in pre-weaned lambs.

The present study aimed to comparatively characterize the ruminal epithelial protein expression profiles in lambs fed ewe milk or milk plus starter diet using proteome analysis. Twenty new-born lambs were randomly divided into a group receiving ewe milk (M, n = 10) and a group receiving milk plus starter diet (M + S, n = 10). From 10 d old, M group lambs remained with the ewe and suckled ewe milk without receiving the starter diet. The lambs in the M + S group were separated from the ewe and received starter feed. All lambs were slaughtered at 56 d old. Eight rumen epithelia samples (4 per group) were collected to characterize their protein expression profiles using proteomic technology. Proteome analysis showed that 31 upregulated proteins and 40 downregulated proteins were identified in the rumen epithelium of lambs in response to starter diet supplementation. The results showed that starter feeding regulates a variety of biological processes in the epithelium, especially blood vessel development and extracellular matrix protein expression. Meanwhile, the expression of proteins associated with synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, butanoate metabolism, and citrate cycle signaling transduction pathway were upregulated in the group with starter diet supplementation, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase (HMGCS2, fold change [FC] = 1.93), 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH1, FC = 1.91), and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1, FC = 8.12). The metabolic processes associated with ammonia detoxification and antioxidant stress were also affected by starter diet supplementation, with proteins, microsomal glutathione S-transferase 3 (MGST3, FC = 2.37) and IDH1, linked to the biosynthesis of glutamate and glutathione metabolism pathway being upregulated in the group with starter diet supplementation. In addition, starter feeding decreased the expression of Ras-related protein rap-1A (RAP1A, FC = 0.48) enriched in Rap1 signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In summary, starter feed supplementation changed the expression of proteins related to energy production, ammonia detoxification, antioxidant stress, and signaling pathways related to proliferation and apoptosis, which facilitates the rumen epithelia development in lambs. The results provide new insights into the molecular adaptation of rumen epithelia in response to starter diet supplementation at the protein level in lambs.

Effect of Palpable Udder Defects on Milk Yield, Somatic Cell Count, and Milk Composition in Non-Dairy Ewes.

Simple SummaryThe occurrence of udder defects in ewes impacts the productive lifespan of the affected ewe and reduces their lamb production. This study investigated the effects of palpable udder defects on milk yield and milk composition in Romney ewes. The findings showed that the effect of udder-half defects on udder-half milk yield was substantial; however, there was no difference in individual (whole udder) ewe milk production between ewes with one udder-half defective and both normal udder-halves. This was due to a compensatory increase in milk production of the normal udder half when the other udder half was defective, with the exception being ewes that retained the defects for several weeks. No notable difference in milk composition was observed between defective and normal udder halves, except for solids non-fat (SNF). This study shows that udder defects affect milk production in non-dairy ewes, highlighting the potential effects on lamb production.In non-dairy ewes, udder defects hinder the survival and weight gain of their pre-weaned lambs. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of palpable udder defects on milk yield, somatic cell count (SCC), and milk composition in non-dairy Romney ewes. Ewes with a history of udder defects or normal udders were selected for the study. Of a total of 48 ewes that lambed, 30 ewes reared at least one lamb, and were milked six times, once weekly, for the first six weeks of lactation. Udder halves were palpated and scored at each milking event. Multivariate linear mixed models examined the impacts of udder defects on udder-half and whole-udder milk yield, SCC, and milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and solids non-fat (SNF)). Across the six examinations, 24.7% of the total 352 udder-half examinations were observed to be defective. Udder halves that were defective at least once produced on average 57.9% less (p < 0.05) milk than normal udder halves, while normal udder halves with a contralateral defective half yielded 33.5% more (p < 0.05) milk than normal udder halves. Successive occurrence of both hard and lump udder defect categories in an udder-half, udder defect detection early in lactation, and a high frequency of udder defect detection were all associated with udder-half milk yield loss (p < 0.05). At the whole-udder level, no differences in milk yield (p > 0.05) were observed between those with one udder-half defective and both normal udder-halves. However, udders in which one udder half was categorised as hard but progressed to lump and remained as lump until 42 days of lactation produced less (p < 0.05) milk compared with normal udders. With the exception of SNF, there were no significant associations (p > 0.05) between milk composition parameters and udder defect. Overall, these findings emphasise the importance of udder health in non-dairy ewes and the potential effect of udder defects on their lambs.

Aroma profile and lactic acid bacteria characteristic of traditional Slovak cheese "May bryndza".

This paper describes the results of the characterization of a traditional Slovak cheese called "May bryndza" with regard to the profiles of volatile organic compounds and lactic acid bacteria. Samples of "May bryndza" cheese produced solely from unpasteurized ewe's milk were collected from 4 different Slovak farms, and samples of the cheese produced from a mixture of 2 types of milk (raw ewe's and pasteurized cow's milk) were collected from 3 different Slovak industrial dairies. There were 15 compounds detected and identified by the electronic nose. The impact of the kind of milk and the kind of dairy on the aroma profile of the product was not confirmed by PCA. The compounds with the highest relative contents in samples were acetoin (2.59%-24.55%), acetic acid (6.69%-13.39%), methoxy-phenyl-oxime (4.49%-8.52%), butanoic acid (1.89%-5.67%), and 2,3-butanediol (0.98%-4.08%), which were determined with gas chromatography. A total of 1533 isolates of LAB were obtained from the "May bryndza" cheese samples. Four families, five genera, and 19 species were identified with mass spectrometry, and isolated bacteria, both from the farm and industry dairies were the most frequently found to belong to Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis.

Polymorphism of FABP3 gene and its effect on litter size and milk production of synthetic population bulgarian milk ewes

Aim. The purpose of this work was to study polymorphism of FABP3 (heart-type fatty acid binding protein) gene and its effect on litter size and milk production. The experiment included 30 ewes of Synthetic Population Bulgarian Milk breed from Institute of Animal Science – Kostinbrod. Methods. By PCR-RFLP method with endonuclease BseDI in SNP3 of FABP3 gene were detected two genotypes – GG and AG. Results. In SNP3 of FABP3 gene the frequency of allele G was 0.85 and the frequency of allele A was 0.15. The genotype GG was with frequency 0.70 and AG – with 0.30. Conclusions. In this study of ewes from SPBM breed, the presence of heterozygous genotype AG in SNP3 of the FABP3 was associated with increased litter size, while the presence of the homozygous genotype GG led to increased milk productivity during lactation.&#x0D; Keywords: sheep, FABP3 gene, litter size, milk production.

Antifungal Activity of Peptides Derived From Iranian Traditional Kefir

Background: Probiotic products contain metabolites that have positive effects on the intestinal microorganisms and well-being of the host as well as possess antimicrobial properties. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activities of the water-soluble peptides (WSPs) found in ewe and cow milk kefir fermented by the traditional kefiran of Semnan (Semnan province, Iran). Materials and Methods: Kefir samples were prepared by inoculating Iranian traditional kefiran into pasteurized milk. WPSs were extracted and antifungal activity was evaluated. Results: During the 28-day storage, the concentration of the amino acids increased except for a decrease detected in the concentration of arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, and glycine; and the total amino acid concentration in ewe milk and kefir was higher than that in cow’s milk and kefir. The WSPs of both kefir samples showed considerable inhibitory activities against the growth of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, but Penicillium sp. had the lowest sensitivity when treated with WSPs. The antifungal activity of WSPs of ewe kefir was significantly higher than that of cow kefir. The highest growth inhibitory potential of WSPs between two kefir samples was found for C. albicans. The antifungal potential of WSPs of ewe kefir was considerably higher than that of cow kefir. Conclusion: The higher antifungal potential of ewe kefir was likely associated with the high concentration of protein, extensive degradation of proteins, and diversity of amino acids produced during the fermentation.

Cyclopropane Fatty Acids as Quality Biomarkers of Cheeses from Ewes Fed Hay- and Silage-Based Diets.

This study aimed to investigate cyclopropane fatty acids (CPFAs) as quality biomarkers of forage feedings in cheese fat obtained from ewe's milk, based on two different dietary treatments (hay and silage). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis detected CPFAs in most cheese samples, both from hay and silage-based diets. CPFA levels in cheese fat from hay feeding were positively correlated to the total trans-monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), whereas they were negatively correlated to cis-MUFAs, odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (i.e., C13:0 anteiso, C16:0 iso, and C17:1), and C22:5n-3, which are mainly associated with a low starch intake and grass pasture. Overall, the presence of CPFAs in ovine cheese fat suggests the use of silage, but it can also be an indicator of poor-quality hay forages. This approach confirmed the reliability of CPFAs as biomarkers of forage quality, especially in relation to the use of conserved forages and good livestock practices.

Comparison of the microbial, physicochemical, and sensorial properties of raw and pasteurized Lighvan cheeses during ripening time.

Traditional cheeses which are normally produced from raw milk are very popular due to their intense and unique taste and aroma. However, high microbial contamination of raw milk due to manual milking and secondary contamination may lead to many diseases in humans in Iran. Lighvan is a traditional starter‐free locally made Iranian cheese that is made from raw ewe's milk. Since the use of raw milk in the preparation of cheese produces serious health problems, due to the limited ripening period of this type of cheese, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preparing Lighvan cheese from pasteurized milk. For this purpose, different characteristics of cheese prepared with pasteurized milk were compared with raw milk cheese. The results showed a reduction in the microbial population over the ripening time in both types of cheeses. However, coliforms and Escherichia coli were seen in raw milk cheeses until the last day of ripening. Regarding chemical analyses, the water‐soluble nitrogen fraction and lipolysis products increased during ripening. Moreover, the raw milk cheeses indicated a higher lipolysis index than the pasteurized ones. According to the obtained results from the sensory evaluation, the raw milk cheese indicated higher acceptability compared with the pasteurized milk cheese. However, since the presence of E. coli makes the cheese inedible, it seems that the pasteurization of milk is mandatory for the production of this type of cheese.

The presence of pathogens in milk of ewes in relation to the somatic cell count and subpopulations of leukocytes

Mastitis is a major health problem of the udder in dairy sheep breeds. For diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, somatic cell count (SCC) is commonly used. The presence of pathogens in the udder causes the increase of leukocytes and thus SCC in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pathogens in the milk of ewes and the possible relationship with SCC. The changes of leukocytes subpopulation in milk samples with high SCC were evaluated as well. The experiment was carried out on a dairy farm with the Lacaune breed. This study was conducted on 45 ewes (98 milk samples) without signs of clinical mastitis. Based on somatic cell count, samples were divided to five SCC groups: SCC1 &amp;lt; 200 000 cells/ml (45 milk samples); 200 000 ≤ SCC2 &amp;lt; 400 000 cells/ml (10 milk samples); 400 000 ≤ SCC3 &amp;lt; 600 000 cells/ml (six milk samples); 600 000 ≤ SCC4 &amp;lt; 1 000 000 cells/ml (six milk samples); SCC5 ≥ 1 000 000 cells/ml (31 milk samples). No pathogens were observed in the majority of milk samples (60.20%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most commonly isolated pathogens from the milk of ewes (86.11%). Staphylococcus epidermidis had the highest incidence from CNS (35.48%). In the SCC5 group, up to 79.31% of bacteriological samples were positive. The percentage of leukocytes significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) in the samples with higher SCC (≥ 200 × 10&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; cells/ml) in comparison to the group SCC1. Also, the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was significantly higher with increasing SCC (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the presented results showed that the high SCC was caused by the presence of the pathogen in milk. Thus SCC &amp;lt; 200 000 cells/ml and leukocyte subpopulation, especially PMNs, could be considered as important tools in udder health programs applied in dairy ewes.

Lactation curve, milk production of Pelibuey ewes and preweaning growth rate of the lambs

Objective: To estimate the lactation curve and milk production of Pelibuey ewes andthe relationship with preweaning growth rate of the lambs.Design/methodology/approach: Forty five Pelibuey ewes were milked during 70days in Montecillo, México, in 2018, to estimate daily and total milk production. Thelactation curve was fitted with the incomplete gamma function. In addition, the effectsof type of birth and ewe weight at milking on milk production were analyzed, andcorrelations were calculated between ewe milk production and growth rate of thelambs, per week and for the entire lactation Results: A “typical” lactation curve was found, average ewe milk production for theentire lactation, weighted for the number of lambs suckling, was 131±8 L, with444±24 g d -1 . Ewe weight at milking had an effect (p&amp;lt;0.01) on milk production.Positive correlations were found (p&amp;lt;0.05) between ewe milk production andpreweaning growth rate of the lambs.Limitations on study/implications: There is a strong dependency of the lambs forthe milk production of the Pelibuey ewe, a factor of great relevance so that lambs cangain body weight and survive during lactation.Findings/conclusions: Pelibuey ewes produce less milk than dairy ewes. Therefore,lambs should be weaned at a maximum of 10 weeks of lactation.

16S rRNA metagenomic analysis reveals significant changes of microbial compositions during fermentation from ewe milk to doogh with antimicrobial activity

ABSTRACT The consumption of locally produced organic foods has become a popular trend in those seeking better health through diet. Despite their proposed health benefits, there are concerns regarding the safety of these foods, as they may contain pathogens due to poor hygienic conditions during production. This study aimed to explore the microbial inhibitory effects of ewe milk, yogurt, and doogh prepared by nomads from Ghasr-e-Shirin region in Iran, and to identify the bacterial community of these products using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The antimicrobial activity of cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of samples were evaluated against 3 fungi and 5 bacteria by agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays. The findings of this research showed that there is great diversity of bacteria in milk collected by nomads. The most dominant bacteria were Enterobacteriaceae (49.16%) in milk. However, non-lactic acid bacteria were overtaken by Lactobacillus delbrueckii (99.9%) in doogh and yogurt. The CFSs of yogurt and doogh showed growth inhibitory activity against the microorganisms used in this study.

The Effect of Awassi Ewes Body Condition Scores on Milk Production, Composition and Lambs Growth

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of body condition scores (BCS) and Sex of lamb on Awassi ewes milk production, composition and lambs growth. The experiment conducted at one of the Awassi sheep breeders in Baibokht area (8km north of Mosul city ) for three months. Ewes were fed concentrate 500g/ewe/day, 60% barley, 38% wheat bran, 1% salt and 1% limestone, with grazing. ewes were divided in to three groups. First group body condition score (BCS 2), the second group (BCS 3) and the third group (BCS 4). The results revealed BCS3 had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weekly milk yield, total milk yield, fat percentage and lambs weight at different ages and no significant effects of BCS on milk Lactose, Protein, total solid and solid non-fat percentage. Sex of lamb had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weekly milk yield and total milk yield and lambs weight from birth until weaning. And no significant effects on milk composition. In general this means that BCS led to significant improvement in the studied traits for behalf highly BCS compared to low. Male lambs had a significant effect on ewes milk yield and lambs weight.

Development of multi-strain probiotic cheese: Nisin production in food and gut

Three strains with technological and probiotic properties (Lactococcus lactis INIA 650, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei INIA P272 and Bifidobacterium breve INIA P734) were used in different combinations as adjunct cultures for the manufacture of pasteurized ewe's milk. The three strains showed good viability during cheese manufacture and ripening. Moreover, they all were able to survive after the addition of the cheese samples to an in vitro colonic model. The nisin-producing strain L. lactis INIA 650 was able to produce the antimicrobial peptide nisin not only during cheese manufacture and ripening, but also in the colonic model. None of the strains combinations added to the cheese as adjunct cultures had a negative influence in their physicochemical or sensory characteristics when compared to control cheese. This work shows the suitability of cheese as vehicle for a multi-strain combination with potential dual effect in food and gut.

Comparative antioxidant potential of kefir and yogurt of bovine and non-bovine origins.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05139-9.

Derivation of multivariate indices of milk composition, coagulation properties, and curd yield in Manchega dairy sheep

This study approaches the interrelation patterns between composition of milk and whey, curd yield, chromaticity, syneresis, and technological quality of Manchega sheep milk using multivariate factor analysis. In addition, the effect of the main husbandry components (flock, prolificacy, season of the year, stage of lactation, and parity) on the common latent factors that define the pattern of variation of Manchega milk was assessed. For this purpose, 1,200 individual Manchega ewe milk samples from 4 different flocks registered under the Protected Designation of Origin Queso Manchego were analyzed (50 ewes/flock). Samples were collected in 2 different seasons of the year (spring and autumn) and at 3 time points per season: early, mid-, and late lactation. The obtained results suggested that curd yield mainly depends on milk composition, and the retention of water in the curd is related to coagulation traits. Thus, composition and moisture content could be useful indicators to assess the efficiency and quality of milk intended for cheesemaking, regardless of the analysis of coagulation properties. Finally, in terms of husbandry, a direct effect of flock and stage of lactation was observed on all analyzed factors, with a lower influence of season and parity.

Feeding wheat dried distillers’ grains with solubles increases conjugated linoleic acid and unsaturated lipids in ovine milk without adversely affecting milk yield

The aim of this research communication was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with wheat-based dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of bioethanol production, on yield, composition, and fatty acid (FA) profile of ewe milk. Forty-five purebred mid-lactating Chios ewes (average milk yield 2.23 kg/d in 96 ± 5 d in lactation) were offered three iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic diets (15 animals per diet) for a 10 d adaptation period followed by a 5-week recording and sampling period. The diets contained 0, 6, and 12% DDGS on DM basis for the DG0, DG6, and DG12 treatment, respectively, as a replacement of concentrate mix, whilst concentrate-to-forage ratio remained at 60:40 in all treatments. Individual milk yield, milk composition, and FA profile were recorded weekly and analyzed using a complete randomized design with repeated measurements. No significant differences were observed among groups concerning dry matter intake (overall mean of 2.59 kg/d), milk yield or 6% fat-corrected milk and milk protein percentage or protein yield. Milk fat percentage was decreased in the DG12 (4.76%) compared to DG0 (5.69%) without, however, significantly affecting the daily output of milk fat. The concentration of all major saturated FA between C4:0 to C16:0 was reduced, whereas long-chain (>16 carbons), mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated FAs were increased in the milk of DDGS groups. Among individual FA, increments of oleic acid and C18:1 trans-monoenes like C18:1 trans-10 and C18:1 trans-11 were demonstrated in DG12 group, whereas linoleic and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA cis-9, trans-11) were elevated in both DDGS groups compared to control. Changes in FA profile resulted in a decline in the atherogenic index of milk by 20% and 35% in DG6 and DG12 treatments, respectively, compared with control. In conclusion, feeding DDGS to dairy ewes increased the levels of unsaturated FA that are potentially beneficial for human health without adversely affecting milk, protein or fat yield.

The Efficacy of a Long-Acting Injectable Selenium Preparation Administered to Pregnant Ewes and Lambs.

Simple SummaryLack of selenium (Se) is a global problem that leads to increased exposure of animals to various diseases, as well as a reduction in productive and reproductive performance. Mineral supplementation can improve the immune system and could therefore be of assistance for lambs. We studied the effects of injectable supplementation with selenium. Supplementation of the Se lead to improved immune status, blood parameters, body weights, and average daily gain of lambs.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-acting selenium (Se) preparation administered to sheep. The experiment was conducted on 30 dams and 36 lambs divided into three equal groups of 10 dams and 12 lambs each: Control—C, and two experimental groups—E (Se administered to pregnant ewes) and EI (Se administered directly to lambs after the colostral period). The Se preparation (Barium Selenate Injection, BVP Animal Care, 50 mg/mL) was administered by injection at 1 mL/50 kg (1 mg Se/kg) body weight (BW) to group E ewes in the third month of pregnancy (between 70 and 90 days) and to group EI lambs between 4 and 7 days of age. The following parameters were determined: Se concentration in the blood of ewes, milk yield, milk composition, Se concentration in milk; hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and Se concentration in the blood of lambs; growth rate and in vivo measurements of lean meat and fat content in lambs. Barium selenate significantly improved the Se status of dams and lambs, regardless of whether it was administered to pregnant ewes or directly to lambs in the first week of their life. The milk of ewes receiving the Se preparation was characterized by higher concentrations of fat and dry matter. The Se preparation induced significant changes in immunological parameters, thus enhancing defense mechanisms in lambs. The Se preparation exerted more stimulatory effects on humoral and cellular immune responses when administered directly to lambs after the colostral period (group EI) than to pregnant ewes (group E). The results of this study indicate that the long-acting Se preparation delivers benefits to sheep by boosting their immunity and, therefore, improving performance.

Survey of somatic cell counts and milk composition in bulk milk of ewes in dairy practice

We evaluated milk quality during the sheep dairy period in the year 2018. The study was performed at fifteen dairy farms with differed breeds and crossbreds under Slovakian usual practical conditions (milking and pasture). At the first and seventh farm purebred Tsigai (TS) ewes were kept, at the eight to twelve farm there were purebred Lacaune ewes (LC) and the thirteen farm were kept crossbred Improved Valachian x Lacaune ewes (IV/LC, with a higher proportion of Improved Valachian), the fourteen farm crossbred Lacaune x East Friesian ewes and the last farm were ewes of the synthetic population of Slovak dairy ewe (SD). The milk yield recording and milk sampling were performed once a month during evening milking as a part of milk recording services. The basic milk composition was determined by MilkoScan FT120 (Foss, Hillerød, Denmark) and somatic cell count was determined using a Fossomatic 90 (Foss Electric, Hillerød, Denmark) after heat treatment at 40 °C for 15 min. We found the highest incidence of SCC on farm 14 with crossbred LC/EF 3.940 x 103 cells.mL-1. Followed by farms 12 and 9 with purebred LC (SCC value of 3.318 and 2.489 x 103 cells.mL-1). Farm 7 with purebred TS reached the lowest value (831 x 103 cells.mL-1). The highest fat content was reached by the purebred TS, with gradual growth from March to July. Crossbreds and the synthetic population of Slovak dairy ewe (SD) had the lowest average fat content, which could be affected by feeding. Similar tendencies were found in protein content.

Feeding olive cake silage up to 20% of DM intake in sheep improves lipid quality and health-related indices of milk and ovine halloumi cheese.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of a by-product, olive cake silage (OCS), as a forage replacement in sheep diets for the improvement of fatty acid (FA) content of milk and thus, the lipids of the ovine halloumi cheese produced. Sixty second-parity purebred Chios ewes in mid-lactation were assigned to three diet treatments (2 lots of 10 animals per treatment) receiving 0%, 10%, and 20% of OCS on dry matter basis for 3 weeks (treatments S0, S10, and S20, respectively). Halloumi cheese was manufactured from fresh raw milk of ewes fed the three different diets. Inclusion of OCS in the diets increased linearly the concentration in milk of unsaturated FA up to 20%, monounsaturated FA up to 23%, polyunsaturated FA up to 11%, rumenic acid (CLA cis-9, trans-11) up to 61%, and consequently reduced the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity milk indices by 31% and 27%, for the S10 and S20 treatments, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Moreover, these differences were carried over to the lipid profile of ovine halloumi cheese showing, on average, more than 25% increase of unsaturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated FA, with particularly enhanced oleic and rumenic acid content. These changes resulted in reduced atherogenicity by 29% and 45% and thrombogenicity by 23% and 24% of ovine halloumi cheese made from milk of S10 and S20 diets, respectively. Milk yield, milk fat, or protein content was not affected by S10 or S20 feeding treatments compared to control. Overall, the applied ensiling method of olive cake produces a by-product that can be included as a forage replacement up to 20% of DM intake in Chios sheep without adversely affecting the lactating performance. Furthermore, the present study showed that such substitution improves the lipid quality of milk and related halloumi cheese enriching these ovine dairy products with beneficial to human health fatty acids.

Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Meropenem in the Plasma and Milk of Ewes

This study had been designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of Meropenem in plasma andmilk of ewes after intravenous bolus adminsteration, for this purpose, five healthy miking ewes had beenreceived a single intravenous bolus of Meropenem (20 mg/kg) to characterize both of distribution andelimination of Meropenem in plasma and milk, concentrations of Meropenem in plasma and milk hadbeen analyzed by microbiological method and pharmacokinetic data had been analyzed by compartmentaland noncompartmental methods, results of mean ± standard deviation for half-life, volume of distributionand total body clearance for plasma samples were 0.67 ± 0.09 h., 0.169 ± 0.01 and 0.3 ± 0.02 L/hr/kg,respectively, the plasma protein binding ratio were 7.27 ± 0.22 %; while the half-life, Cmax and drugpenetration ratio for milk samples were 9.56 ± 3.13 h, 3.91 ± 0.99 ?g/ml and 0.86 ± 0.23 respectively. Inour conclusions; Depending on the approval state of Meropenem for veterinary therapy, we think that theachieved pharmacokinetic parameters of Meropenem in plasma and milk of ewes will candidate it to be oneof the preferred parentrally administered antibacterial agents to encounter the acute cases of mastitis thatought to be treated hastily.