EFFECT OF RECOMBINANT BOVINE SOMATOTROPIN (RBST) ADMINISTRATION ON EWES MILK - INFLUENCE OF THE NATURE OF CONCENTRATE

Forty Comisana ewes (62 +/- 8 days in milk) were divided into four equ al groups: i) HA: high starch 34.1%; NDF 20.0%; ii) HA + rbST; iii) BA : low starch 12.2%, NDF 32.7% and iv) BA + rbST. Recombinant bovine so matotropin (Somidobove fly Lilly Elanco) was injected once subcutaneou sly (320 mg/ewe). Milk production was increased (P < 0.01) by rbST tre atment for a cycle of 28 days. High starch concentrate lowered signifi cantly (P < 0.05) milk pH and somatic cell counts. Dietary treatment a nd rbST did not affect respectively, milk fat and protein percentages, rennet coagulation of milk and blood parameters.