How Much Milk or Cheese Does a Sheep Produce?

Sheep Milk Production Capacity

Sheep milk production varies significantly by breed, age, and management. A typical dairy sheep produces 500-1500 liters per lactation cycle (roughly 200-250 days). High-producing breeds like the East Friesian can exceed 2000 liters annually, while dual-purpose breeds produce 300-800 liters.

Peak milk production occurs 60 days after lambing, with yields declining gradually through the lactation cycle. Daily production typically ranges from 2-4 liters per ewe at peak lactation, dropping to 0.5-1 liter near the end of the cycle.

Milk Composition and Cheese Yield

Sheep milk is richer than cow milk, containing approximately 6-8% fat and 5-6% protein, compared to 3.5% fat and 3.2% protein in cow milk. This higher solid content makes sheep milk ideal for cheese production.

Cheese yield varies by type:

• Fresh cheeses: 4-5 liters milk → 1 kg cheese
• Aged cheeses (Feta, Pecorino): 5-7 liters milk → 1 kg cheese
• Hard cheeses: 8-10 liters milk → 1 kg cheese

A high-producing dairy ewe yields approximately 200-300 kg of cheese annually, making sheep dairy farming economically viable for artisanal and industrial producers.