How Much Milk or Cheese Does a Sheep Produce?

Sheep Milk Production

Sheep milk production varies by breed and management. A typical dairy sheep produces 500-1500 liters per lactation (200-250 days). Peak production occurs 60 days after lambing, yielding 2-4 liters daily at peak, declining to 0.5-1 liter near cycle end.

Milk Composition and Cheese Yield

Sheep milk contains 6-8% fat and 5-6% protein, richer than cow milk (3.5% fat, 3.2% protein), making it ideal for cheese.

Cheese yields: Fresh cheese: 4-5L milk → 1kg cheese | Aged cheese (Feta): 5-7L → 1kg | Hard cheese: 8-10L → 1kg

A high-producing dairy ewe yields 200-300 kg cheese annually, making sheep dairy economically viable.