Comparative evaluation of colostrum quality in Karya ewes and yearling lambs using Brix refractometer

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate colostrum quality in ewes and yearling lambs using a digital Brix refractometer. A total of 18 Karya sheep, including 9 yearling lambs and 9 ewes, were used in the study. Colostrum/milk samples were collected from the sheep immediately after birth and at 12 and 24 hours, and 2, 3, 4, 7 and 15 days after birth. The Brix percentages of the fresh colostrum/milk samples were measured with a digital Brix refractometer. The colostrum Brix percentages of the ewes and yearling lambs and the change in the colostrum/milk Brix percentages up to 15 days after birth were compared by repeated measure of analysis of variances. The mean colostrum Brix percentages of the ewes immediately after birth, and at 12 and 24 hours and, 2 and 3 days after birth were determined as 32.8 ± 1.7%, 22.6 ± 1.2%, 17.2 ± 1.0%, 15.4 ± 0.8%, and 14.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. The mean colostrum Brix percentages of the yearling lambs immediately after birth, and at 12 and 24 hours, and 2 and 3 days after birth were determined as 33.3±1.8%, 21.0±1.9%, 17.2 ± 1.4%, 15.6 ± 0.6%, and 15.0 ± 0.4%, respectively. No differences were detected between the colostrum and milk Brix percentages of the ewes and yearling lambs. Colostrum Brix percentages decreased significantly from birth to 24 hours postpartum. Colostrum/milk Brix percentages remained at similar values from 24 hours to 15 days postpartum. In conclusion, colostrum quality did not differ between Karya ewes and yearling lambs and colostrum/milk Brix percentages decreased steadily from 24 hours to 15 days after lambing.