The addition of Citrus aurantium leaves and tomato pomace in the diet of Awassi ewes and the impact on milk composition and matured cheese

The purpose of this study was to use concentrated feed alternatives with other less expensive feed alternatives in feeding the Awassi ewes and the impact on milk composition and matured cheese. A total of twenty Awassi ewes were used, they were selected in the middle of lactation and divided into two homogeneous groups with weights (47±1.7 kg) and aged 3-4 years, given two different servings of feed (1.5 kg/sheep/day) Milk composition was measured weekly, to make cheese, raw milk control (CON) and Citrus aurantium leaves and tomato pomace (CALTP) is kept separately and chilled. Results indicated that fat and total solid content were high in milk and cheese manufactured in the diet that contained CALTP; the proportion of medium-chain fatty acids (c10-c16) and free fatty acids was lower compared to the diet (CON). While the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in the diet increased CALTP. Therefore, the inclusion of CALTP in the diet is helpful because it has a positive impact on the composition of milk and mature cheese, reduces the cost of the diet and helps recycle by- products.