Spain is one of the main countries in sheep milk production, although most of it is destined for domestic dairy products, it also exports to other countries. Sheep’s milk is mainly used in the production of cheeses, among which Manchego cheese stands out for its strong flavor and smooth texture.
Milk production
The pregnancy period of a female ewe lasts 5 months. Once the ewe gives birth, milk production begins immediately, although it is advisable not to drink it until two weeks have passed. After these first weeks, the ewe can be milked twice a day (morning and evening) from 4 to 8 months.
The Merino sheep Merina breed produces milk of very good quality, 0.350 liters of milk per ewe per day.
The main producer of sheep’s milk in our country is Castilla y León. It has an average of 309 liters per year.
Benefits and properties of sheep’s milk
Next, let’s take a look at the benefits of this milk for our health:
- It is more digestive than cow’s milk, due to its high triglyceride content.
- It has more nutrients and 80% more calcium than cow’s and goat’s milk. It also contains twice as much fat, but is lower in saturated fatty acids.
- It has less cholesterol than other milks.
- It is very rich in iron, so it is ideal for people with anemia.
- High in vitamins A and E, which act as antioxidants and help strengthen the immune system and help prevent cancer.
- High in vitamin C, which is good for the hair
- Has anti-inflammatory action
- Improves blood flow by containing B and K vitamins
It contains calcium, phosphorus and potassium, enhancing the strengthening of bones, making it a very beneficial food in the growing ages of children.
The quality of milk, from any animal regardless of its origin, will depend to a large extent on the feeding of the animals.
This milk is mainly used for the production of cheeses, which tend to have a strong flavor and a fairly fatty texture.
Some products derived from this type of milk are: yogurts, sheep’s milk curd, sheep’s milk cream cheese, all varieties of cheese: fresh cheese, smoked cheese, Manchego cheese, gourmet artisan sheep’s milk cheese, among others.
The production of one Merina sheep cheese requires the production of 15 ewes. This type of cheese is very beneficial for health and is considered by some food critics as the best in the world.