Santa Inês ewe milk quality analysis

Is Your Ewe's Milk Up to Snuff? Spotting and Tackling Mastitis in Santa Inês Sheep

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into a new study reveals the dynamics of milk quality in Santa Inês ewes, offering farmers critical insights into detecting and managing subclinical mastitis for healthier flocks and better yields."

For sheep farmers, especially those raising Santa Inês ewes, understanding milk quality is crucial. Milk isn't just for the lambs; it's a direct indicator of the ewe's health and the overall productivity of your flock. But what happens when things aren't quite right?

Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland, poses a significant threat to ewe health and milk production. While clinical (obvious) mastitis is easy to spot, subclinical mastitis—where the ewe appears healthy—can be deceptive and cause insidious losses. Imagine your ewes producing less milk, lambs not thriving, and your profits slowly dwindling, all because of an unseen infection.

A recent study published in Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira has investigated the cellular and microbiological dynamics of milk in Santa Inês ewes during lactation. This research offers essential insights for farmers looking to proactively manage mastitis, safeguard their flock's health, and optimize milk production.

Why Early Detection is a Game-Changer for Ewe Health

The study evaluated 34 Santa Inês ewes under semi-intensive conditions, focusing on key indicators like clinical examinations, somatic cell counts (SCC), and bacterial isolation. These factors help reveal the presence and severity of intramammary infections (IMI) throughout lactation.

Researchers collected milk samples at several critical points: before and after lambing (10 days before parturition, 15 days after parturition), and then at 30, 60, and 90 days post-partum (weaning). This rigorous approach allowed them to map the changes in milk quality and identify potential problems early.

Clinical Exams: Assessed the physical health of the mammary gland at each stage.
Somatic Cell Count (SCC): Measured the number of cells in the milk, a key indicator of inflammation and infection.
California Mastitis Test (CMT): A quick, on-farm test to estimate SCC and detect subclinical mastitis.
Bacteriological Analysis: Identified the types of bacteria present in the milk, helping to pinpoint the specific causes of infection.

The findings underscored the importance of vigilance even before lambing. A significant percentage of ewes showed bacterial isolation in seemingly healthy mammary glands before parturition, suggesting that the pre-partum period is a critical window for preventative measures. The study also highlighted a high frequency of bacterial isolation, especially coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (SCN), in the first 30 days of lactation.

Taking Action: Practical Steps for Farmers

This research provides a clear call to action for Santa Inês sheep farmers. By implementing regular monitoring practices, focusing on pre-partum health, and understanding the role of SCN, you can take control of your flock’s milk quality and overall health. Remember, early detection and proactive management are your best defenses against the hidden threat of subclinical mastitis. Prioritize regular CMT testing, especially in early lactation. This simple test can provide invaluable insights into the health of your ewes. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a tailored mastitis control plan. This plan should include strategies for prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0100-736x2011001000004, Alternate LINK

Title: Dinâmica Celular E Microbiológica Do Leite De Ovelhas Santa Inês Acompanhadas Durante A Lactação

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Eduardo Levi De Sousa Guaraná, Rogério Adriano Dos Santos, Anne Grace S. Siqueira Campos, Natália Da Silva E Silva, José Augusto Bastos Afonso, Carla Lopes De Mendonça

Published: 2011-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is mastitis, and why should I be concerned about it in my Santa Inês ewes?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland. It's significant because it threatens the health of ewes and reduces milk production, which is vital for lamb growth and overall flock productivity. Clinical mastitis is easily noticeable, but subclinical mastitis is more insidious, leading to unseen losses if undetected. The implications of mastitis include reduced milk yield, poor lamb growth, and decreased profitability for sheep farmers.

What is Somatic Cell Count (SCC), and why is it important to monitor it in my ewes' milk?

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) measures the number of cells in milk and is a key indicator of inflammation and infection in the mammary gland. Elevated SCC indicates that the ewe's udder is fighting an infection, even if there are no visible signs. Monitoring SCC is significant because it enables early detection of subclinical mastitis, allowing for timely intervention and preventing further damage to the udder, reduced milk production and impact to the lambs.

What is the California Mastitis Test (CMT), and how can it help me manage my flock's health?

The California Mastitis Test (CMT) is a quick, on-farm test used to estimate the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in milk, which helps in detecting subclinical mastitis. The CMT is significant because it allows farmers to regularly monitor their ewes for mastitis without needing laboratory testing. The implications are that farmers can identify and manage mastitis early, improving ewe health, milk quality, and overall flock productivity.

What does bacteriological analysis of milk involve, and why is it important for managing mastitis?

Bacteriological analysis involves identifying the types of bacteria present in milk. It's significant because it helps pinpoint the specific causes of intramammary infections (IMI). Knowing the specific bacteria involved allows for targeted treatment strategies and preventative measures. The implications include more effective treatment of mastitis, reduced reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics, and improved control of mastitis within the flock.

What is Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (SCN), and why is it important in relation to mastitis in ewes?

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (SCN) is a type of bacteria frequently isolated from milk samples of ewes with mastitis. Its presence is significant because it's often associated with subclinical mastitis, which can be difficult to detect without specific testing. The implications are that farmers need to be particularly vigilant about monitoring for SCN, especially in early lactation, to prevent the development and spread of mastitis within the flock. Regular testing and preventative measures are crucial.