Mastitis and Milk Composition in First Partum Santa Ines Ewes

The aim of this study was to evaluate milk characteristics and mastitis occurrence in first partum Santa Ines hair sheep in Sergipe State, North-eastern Brazil. Microbiological and chemical composition of milk was determined in 42 first partum ewes along eleven weeks of lactation. Subclinical mastitis occurred in 40.45% of the ewes with predominance of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus. Mean Somatic Cell Count for animals negative for the California Mastitis Test was 348,000 and positive was 745,000 cells/mL. As the lactation progressed there was an increase in protein levels accompanied by a decrease in ash, dry matter and lactose content. Samples with negative CMT showed significantly higher fat, ash content and lactose and lower protein contents, with lower overall dry matter content. The most critical period for the occurrence of mastitis was 3 to 4 weeks after lambing and at the end of lactation and this affected milk quality. These results can serve as a basis for prophylactic management of mastitis in Santa Ines ewes.