Development and Chemico-Physical Characterization of Ovine Milk-Based Ingredients for Infant Formulae

The great majority of infant formula (FM) for neonate’s nutrition are produced using ingredients from cow milk. Recently, some countries, such as China and New Zealand, turning their attention to the use ovine milk FM production. In this study, a pilot plant process has been set up produce Sarda sheep To meet nutritional needs neonates (0–6 6–12 months age) two different liquid milk-derived formulations (IF1 IF2, respectively) obtained mixing whole milk, skimmed whey ultrafiltration concentrate (retentate) were produced. Compositional analysis retentate, final IFs showed that contain elements interest, well-balanced content high biological value proteins (casein:whey ratio 30:70 60:40 IF1 respectively), vitamin A, E B5, cholesterol, minerals, nucleotides, free amino acids essential fatty (n–6:n–3 ~1), compatible with growth development neonates. Therefore, IF2 can be proposed valuable dairy manufacturing. Further studies will necessary verify adaptability developed laboratory industrial scale application.