Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 26: 1623 -1630. Published February 8, 2010.
Calcium and phosphorus in milk of Yankansa ewes as influenced by stages of lactation
Mwaura S. M** , A.O Akinsoyinu*
** Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State,Nigeria
* University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Current address: FACT, P.O. Box 967 -00217, Limuru, Kenya
^Author for correspondence : muthonimaina93@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Objective: A study was conducted to examine the composition of calcium and phosphorus, in sheep milk as influenced by the different stages of lactation in Yankansa ewes. Four Yankansa ewes aged two years and weighing 39.5 to 41.0 kgs were used for the experiment conducted at Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Ibadan and the Department of Animal Science, University of Ibadan. Ewes were fed the same diet, of 0.5 kg of concentrate supplement and grass Cynodon nlemfuensis ad libitum and brought to heat by synchronization then herd ram served them. Milk samples were collected from each ewe once a day on days 2, 4, 6 and once a week from week 2 to 10 after parturition. The milk samples were analyzed for minerals using an atomic spectrophotometer and the data obtained statistically analyzed. The trend in the contents of calcium in colostrum and milk was significant. The phosphorus content was low in the colostrum, which was significant. Milk minerals are important in human nutrition. Also are important in stability of milk lipids and milk proteins especially in processing of milk products like cheese and yoghurts. The relative concentrations of the various minerals vary a lot with stage of lactation, breed of animal, feed, infection of udder and season of year.
Key words: sheep milk, calcium, phosphorus, stages of lactation.
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