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Animals
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Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants
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Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Small Ruminants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 8792

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Garzón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: mastitis and udder health; milk technological properties; ruminant production systems; predictive models for cheesemaking
Dr. Javier Caballero-Villalobos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: mastitis and udder health; milk technological properties; ruminant production systems; predictive models for cheesemaking
Prof. Dr. Elena Angón

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Interests: animal production; agricultural economics; sustainability; grazing systems; management; organic production

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Small dairy ruminants are currently receiving special attention, since their production systems are located in less-favored regions with few alternatives for economic activity, potentially allowing the protection of natural resources, the preservation of lifestyles and the prevention of rural abandonment.

The importance of small ruminant milk is unquestionable. In many countries, most of the production of sheep and goat milk is intended for cheesemaking, whether in pure form or using mixed bovine milk. This important cheese production is a major component of the dairy industry, and in the last few years, it has been strengthened by the emergence of quality marks. In addition, the growing need for an alternative to cow milk due to protein allergy has highlighted the importance of milk from other ruminant species to solve this intolerance problem.

To guarantee high standards for small ruminant milk, several factors need to be considered, such as lactation physiology, milk sanitary status, physicochemical quality, and technological performance. Greater knowledge of these will make it possible to determine the most appropriate characteristics for the industry, as well as allow producers to elaborate their own guidelines and production guidelines to guarantee competitiveness.

Thus, we propose this Special Issue, entitled “Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants”, which aims to compile new insights into small dairy ruminants, and we welcome experts in this field to contribute with their manuscripts and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Ana Isabel Garzón
Dr. Javier Caballero-Villalobos
Prof. Dr. Elena Angón
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • dairy
  • small ruminants
  • udder health
  • milk technological properties
  • predictive models
  • coagulation efficiency
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Effects of Parity and Somatic Cell Count Threshold on Udder Morphology, Milkability Traits, and Milk Quality in Canarian Goats
by Mario Salomone-Caballero, María Fresno, Sergio Álvarez and Alexandr Torres
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091262 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 997
Abstract
The effects of parity and somatic cell count in milk (SCC) threshold on the udder morphology, milkability traits, and milk composition was evaluated in 41 Canarian goats in mid-lactation. The animals were divided according to parity (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), and a SCC [...] Read more.
The effects of parity and somatic cell count in milk (SCC) threshold on the udder morphology, milkability traits, and milk composition was evaluated in 41 Canarian goats in mid-lactation. The animals were divided according to parity (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), and a SCC threshold of 2000 × 103 cells/mL in milk was set to evaluate the effect of this factor on the different measured parameters. Results showed that primiparous goats had the udder smaller and less distended than multiparous goats, but no differences were detected on milk flow parameters. Furthermore, SCC and total bacterial count (TBC) tended to be higher when the parity increased. On the other hand, goats with SCC ≤ 2000 × 103 had higher cistern-floor distance (CF) and lower TBC values compared with those goats with a count above the predetermined threshold. The results suggest that a reduction in SCC can be achieved by a selection of udder morphological traits. Moreover, milk flow parameters do not seem to be a tool to determine the udder health status in Canarian goats, but long-term studies are needed to verify it. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
13 pages, 970 KiB  
Article
Exploring Breed-Specific Milk Coagulation in Spanish Dairy Sheep: A Canonical Correlation Approach
by Javier Caballero-Villalobos, Ana Garzón, Elena Angón, Ramón Arias, Alessio Cecchinato, Nicolò Amalfitano and José M. Perea
Animals 2024, 14(6), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060900 - 14 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1101
Abstract
The transformation of milk into cheese largely depends on the technological properties of the raw material, with breed being a crucial factor that influences both the composition and coagulation properties of the milk used for cheesemaking. This study uses canonical correlation analysis to [...] Read more.
The transformation of milk into cheese largely depends on the technological properties of the raw material, with breed being a crucial factor that influences both the composition and coagulation properties of the milk used for cheesemaking. This study uses canonical correlation analysis to explore the relationships between physicochemical traits and coagulation properties in milk from various Spanish breeds, aiming to identify both common and breed-specific patterns that impact milk technological aptitude. A total of 832 milk samples from Manchega, Assaf, Merino de Grazalema, and Merino de Los Pedroches breeds were analyzed. The milk characteristics investigated included pH, composition (fat, protein, lactose, total solids), and coagulation properties (curd firmness—A60, rennet clotting time—RCT, curd firming time—k20, and individual laboratory curd yield—ILCY). The results reveal a shared correlation structure across breeds and unique covariation patterns in some breeds that deviate from the general trend. While Assaf and Merino de Los Pedroches follow the common correlation pattern, Manchega and Merino de Grazalema exhibit distinct patterns. This research underscores the need for in-depth study and suggests that the dairy industry could benefit from shifting from the traditional focus on maximizing fat and protein for higher curd yields to considering technological traits for selective breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
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13 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Effect of Acute and Cumulative Stress on Gene Expression in Mammary Tissue and Their Interactions with Physiological Responses and Milk Yield in Saanen Goats
by Marta Liliane de Vasconcelos, Priscila dos Santos Silva, Henrique Barbosa Hooper, Giovana Krempel Fonseca Merighe, Sandra Aparecida de Oliveira and João Alberto Negrão
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3740; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233740 - 3 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1789
Abstract
This study addresses the hypothesis that different acute stressors can cumulatively decrease milk yield. In fact, in a time of global warming, the impact of environmental stress and farm management practices on milk production remains unclear. In this context, our objective was to [...] Read more.
This study addresses the hypothesis that different acute stressors can cumulatively decrease milk yield. In fact, in a time of global warming, the impact of environmental stress and farm management practices on milk production remains unclear. In this context, our objective was to investigate the effect of acute and cumulative stress on gene expression in mammary tissue and their interactions with physiological responses and milk yield in Saanen goats. Thirty lactating goats were subjected to two treatments: (1) control (CT), in which goats were maintained following a habitual routine under comfort conditions; (2) stress (ST), in which the goats were subjected to different types of environmental stress: heat stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone administration, hoof care management, and exposure to rain. These stressors were performed sequentially, with one stress per day on four consecutive lactation days, to evaluate their effect on milk quality and milk yield. Our results showed that compared to CT goats, cumulative stress increased the gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in mammary tissue, which are indicators of cortisol action, inflammatory response, and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the acute challenges imposed on ST goats changed their rectal temperature and respiratory frequency and increased cortisol, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein release in plasma when compared to CT goats. Although these physiological and metabolic responses restore homeostasis, ST goats showed lower milk yield and higher somatic cell count in milk than CT goats. In conclusion, the results confirmed our initial hypothesis that different acute stressors cumulatively decrease the milk yield in Saanen goats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
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19 pages, 3970 KiB  
Article
Variations in Composition, Antioxidant Profile, and Physical Traits of Goat Milk within the Semi-Intensive Production System in Mountainous Areas during the Post-Weaning to End-of-Lactation Period
by Eleni Kasapidou, Iraklis-Vasileios Iliadis, Paraskevi Mitlianga, Georgios Papatzimos, Maria-Anastasia Karatzia, Vasileios Papadopoulos, Michail Amanatidis, Vasiliki Tortoka, Ekaterini Tsiftsi, Antonia Aggou and Zoitsa Basdagianni
Animals 2023, 13(22), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13223505 - 13 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1239
Abstract
Dairy products from mountain-origin milk are known for their superior composition and quality. This study aimed to examine changes in composition, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties of milk from semi-intensively managed goats in mountainous regions during the post-weaning to end-of-lactation period. Bulk tank [...] Read more.
Dairy products from mountain-origin milk are known for their superior composition and quality. This study aimed to examine changes in composition, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties of milk from semi-intensively managed goats in mountainous regions during the post-weaning to end-of-lactation period. Bulk tank milk samples from 10 farms were collected bi-weekly in the period from March to September. The farms were situated in regions with an average altitude of 772.20 m above sea level. The results revealed significant variations in milk composition, with fluctuations in fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. Milk yield per doe showed seasonal differences, with the highest yield in April and the lowest in September. Fatty acid composition exhibited changes throughout the sampling period, with variations in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritional indices, such as the atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index, remained within the recommended values. Antioxidant properties, including total phenolic content, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, showed significant differences, with higher values toward the end of the study. Milk pH, electrical conductivity, brix value, and refractive index also exhibited variations, while density and freezing point remained relatively stable. The study provided valuable information that can be used to develop breeding and feeding plans to achieve uniform milk quality in mountainous regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
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11 pages, 1084 KiB  
Article
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms to Describe the Characteristics of Dairy Sheep Lactation Curves
by Lilian Guevara, Félix Castro-Espinoza, Alberto Magno Fernandes, Mohammed Benaouda, Alfonso Longinos Muñoz-Benítez, Oscar Enrique del Razo-Rodríguez, Armando Peláez-Acero and Juan Carlos Angeles-Hernandez
Animals 2023, 13(17), 2772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172772 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
In recent years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as powerful tools for predicting and modeling complex data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction ability of different ML algorithms and a traditional empirical model to estimate the parameters [...] Read more.
In recent years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as powerful tools for predicting and modeling complex data. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction ability of different ML algorithms and a traditional empirical model to estimate the parameters of lactation curves. A total of 1186 monthly records from 156 sheep lactations were used. The model development process involved training and testing models using ML algorithms. In addition to these algorithms, lactation curves were also fitted using the Wood model. The goodness of fit was assessed using correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), relative absolute error (RAE), and relative root mean square error (RRSE). SMOreg was the algorithm with the best estimates of the characteristics of the sheep lactation curve, with higher values of r compared to the Wood model (0.96 vs. 0.68) for the total milk yield. The results of the current study showed that ML algorithms are able to adequately predict the characteristics of the lactation curve, using a relatively small number of input data. Some ML algorithms provide an interpretable architecture, which is useful for decision-making at the farm level to maximize the use of available information. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
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15 pages, 750 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Feasibility of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Authenticate Grazing in Dairy Goats through Milk and Faeces Analysis
by Pablo Rodríguez-Hernández, Cipriano Díaz-Gaona, Carolina Reyes-Palomo, Santos Sanz-Fernández, Manuel Sánchez-Rodríguez, Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez and Nieves Núñez-Sánchez
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152440 - 28 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1146
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly prone to request information about the production systems of the food they buy. For this purpose, certification and authentication methodologies are necessary not only to protect the choices of consumers, but also to protect producers and production systems. The objective [...] Read more.
Consumers are increasingly prone to request information about the production systems of the food they buy. For this purpose, certification and authentication methodologies are necessary not only to protect the choices of consumers, but also to protect producers and production systems. The objective of this preliminary work was to authenticate the grazing system of dairy goats using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) analyses of milk and faeces of the animals. Spectral information and several mathematical pre-treatments were used for the development of six discriminant models based on different algorithms for milk and faeces samples. Results showed that the NIRS spectra of both types of samples had some differences when the two feeding regimes were compared. Therefore, good discrimination rates were obtained with both strategies (faeces and milk samples), with classification percentages of up to 100% effectiveness. Discrimination of feeding regime and grazing authentication based on NIRS analysis of milk samples and an alternative sample such as faeces is considered as a potential approach for dairy goats and small ruminant production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lactation Physiology and Milk Quality of Small Ruminants)
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