Sheep belongs to North eastern and North African areas of world. Sheep milk accounts for 1% total production. China has been the top 61% sheep milk production. It is being used for producing cheese & other dairy products. There is little information on sheep’s milk than other dairy milk. Most studies show’s that the fatty acid composition mainly depends upon the animal feeding. It contains higher amount of proteins, fats, lactose, minerals and vitamins.
Nutrient profile of sheep milk:
The nutrient content in 100g of sheep milk:
| Calories | 420kJ |
| Water | 82.1g |
| Total protein | 5.6g |
| Total fat | 6.4g |
| Lactose | 5.1g |
| Ash | 0.9% |
| Calcium | 190mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
| Magnesium | 18mg |
| Phosphorus | 144mg |
| Potassium | 148mg |
| Zinc | 0.6mg |
| Copper | 0.1mg |
| Selenium | 1.7µg |
| Vitamin A | 64µg |
The fatty acid content of sheep milk is similar to goat milk. It contains 5 fatty acid which make 75% fat of it. The short chain fatty acids in 100g of sheep milk are 75g. Sheep milk is high in retinol, CLA & riboflavin etc.
Health Benefits:
It has notable health benefits:
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Strengthen the bones
- Boost immune system
- Prevent birth defects
- Reduce inflammation
- Fight with cancerous cells
