Plasmin-Plasminogen System and Milk Physicochemical Traits in Intensively Reared Chios and Frizarta Ewes: Effects of...

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of lactation stage, age, somatic cell count (SCC), and daily milk yield on plasmin-plasminogen (PL-PG) system activity and physicochemical milk traits in intensively reared Chios and Frizarta ewes. A total of 52 purebred ewes (26 ewes per breed and farm) were randomly selected and prospectively monitored during the 3rd, 5th, and 6th month post-lambing. Daily milk yield and body condition score (BCS) were recorded, and individual milk samples were collected for the assessment of PL-PG activities using enzymatic assays, SCC, electrical conductivity (EC), refractive index (RI), and pH. Correlation analysis and mixed linear regression models were used for the assessment of the effects. Lactation stage significantly affected PL-PG system traits in both breeds, but in opposite direction; plasmin and plasminogen plus plasmin declined toward late lactation in Chios ewes, whereas it increased in Frizarta ewes. Lower SCC was associated with reduced plasmin system activity in Chios ewes, whereas no effect was observed in Frizarta ewes. The plasminogen-to-plasmin ratio remained stable across lactation, breeds, and SCC classes, indicating coordinated regulation of the system. BCS was positively associated with plasmin activity during late lactation, suggesting a stage-dependent metabolic modulation. EC and pH were closely associated with SCC, while RI mainly reflected compositional variation. Our findings underline that, although the PL-PG system is primarily affected by lactation stage and mammary health status in sheep, there are breed-specific regulatory patterns which should be further investigated.