Evaluation of sheep colostrums according to time after lambing by brix refractometer method and color scoring

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of breed and post-lambing time on sheep colostrum quality. In this study, colostrum samples taken at different times after lambing from 4 different sheep breeds (Tuj, Awassi, Morkaraman, Akkaraman) raised in Turkey were compared using Brix refractometer and color scoring. The sheep included in the study were placed in different paddocks according to their breeds. In the first week after lambing, a total of 7 colostrum samples were collected from each ewe, every 12 hours for the first 3 days and on the 7th day (mature milk sample). According to the data obtained from the study, it was determined that colostrum quality was affected by breed and milking duration (p<0.05). Brix values of colostrum in the first and second milking were found to be higher in the Akkaraman breed than in the Morkaraman breed (p<0.05). Additionally, it was determined that the color score decreased over time after lambing and this decrease was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, since the quality of sheep colostrum varies depending on breed and time, the quality of the colostrum to be fed for lamb health and performance must be determined in advance.