Comparative Analysis of Milk Components in Dairy Meade, Small-Tailed Han and Crossbred Offspring

This study aimed to cultivate intellectual property rights of dairy sheep breeds in China, the conventional components, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins in the milk of Dairy sheep (DM), Small-Tailed Han sheep(STH), Dairy-Han crossbred first generation F₁(F₁) and Dairy-Han crossbred F₂(F₂) were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the fat content of F₁ milk was the highest in four groups. Its protein, casein, solids and non-milk fat solids and essential amino acids content were lower than STH milk, but significantly higher than DM and F₂ milk (P<0.05). Those indicators were no significant difference between DM and F₂ milk(P>0.05). The relative contents of functional fatty acids such as linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, MUFA and PUFA fatty acids in DM milk were higher than the other. The vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, short-chain fatty acids, α-linolenic acid and ω-3 fatty acids in F₁ milk were higher than those in other groups. The results showed that the milk of new dairy sheep breeding group was rich in nutrients. This study provides a theoretical basis for the breeding of new breeds of dairy sheep and the development of localized ovine dairy products. Appropriate lactation groups could be selected based on the specific needs.