Comparison of colostrum quality between Merino and Akkaraman ewes

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Abstract
Objective: This study aims to compare the colostrum quality of Akkaraman and Merino ewes using refractometric measurements. Material-Method: The study material consisted of colostrum samples obtained from Akkaraman and Merino ewes reared under the continental climate of Ankara. The ewes were housed in separate barns on the same farm and received identical husbandry practices, feeding regimens, and synchronized lambing periods. Colostrum samples were collected within 4 hours postpartum via hand-milking into sterile polyethylene tubes. Samples were stored frozen until a target sample size of 50 per breed was attained, then thawed at room temperature before analysis. Brix values (%) of colostrum were determined using a digital refractometer (Milwaukee MA871, 0–85% range; Milwaukee Instruments, Inc., Rocky Mount, NC, USA). Colostrum quality was categorized as follows based on Brix values: 26% (good). Results: While half of the Merino ewes produced poor- or moderate-quality colostrum, 56% of Akkaraman ewes yielded good-quality colostrum. No statistically significant difference was observed in colostrum Brix values between the two breeds (p > 0.05). The minimum and maximum Brix values for Akkaraman ewes were 16.40% and 43.90%, respectively, whereas Merino ewes exhibited a range of 15.80% to 43.00%. The mean Brix value was 27.45% for Akkaraman ewes and 26.10% for Merino ewes. Conclusion: The colostrum quality of Akkaraman ewes was comparable to that of Merino ewes. These findings suggest that when compared to colostrum brix values of other breeds documented in the literature, Merino and Akkaraman breeds exhibit higher colostrum quality than dairy-type sheep but lower quality than meat-type sheep.

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