Summary
This study analysed 60 bulk tank colostrum samples from Valle del Belice ewes across summer and winter lambing seasons to characterise nutritional and immunological composition. Colostrum quality was excellent overall (IgG 40.35 g/L; Brix 21.02%), but lambing season significantly affected pH, somatic cell count, fatty acid profiles, and mineral concentrations, with winter lambing producing higher polyunsaturated fatty acids and winter showing elevated pH and somatic cell counts, whilst copper and manganese were higher in summer. These findings suggest seasonal management practices may influence passive immunity transfer capacity and nutritional value of colostrum for neonatal lambs.
UK applicability
Valle del Belice is a Sicilian dairy sheep breed; findings may have relevance to UK sheep dairy systems if similar seasonal lambing patterns are adopted. However, UK temperate climate conditions and typical indoor wintering systems differ substantially from Mediterranean production environments, potentially limiting direct applicability of seasonal trends.
Key measures
IgG concentration (g/L), Brix percentage, fat/protein/casein/lactose percentages, pH, somatic cell count (cells/mL), fatty acid composition (palmitic, oleic, myristic, stearic, polyunsaturated acids in g/100 g), mineral content (copper and manganese in µmol/L)
Outcomes reported
The study characterised immunoglobulin G content, gross composition, mineral content, and fatty acid profiles in bulk tank colostrum samples from Valle del Belice ewes across summer and winter lambing seasons. Lambing season was found to significantly influence pH, somatic cell count, polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations, and trace mineral levels.
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