Abstract The growth of dairy sheep farming in Brazil combined with consumer´s preference for concentrated yogurts and the search for innovative products with different flavors and textures demonstrate the opportunity for diversification of sheep milk derivatives. The objective of this study was to develop two novel formulations of Labneh cheese made of sheep’s milk and to verify their shelf life considering microbiological and physical-chemical quality under refrigeration storage. Formulations L1 and L2 were prepared using a similar protocol with pressing times of 4 and 3 hours respectively, and this difference caused little influence on the parameters evaluated, showing no need for this additional time. Both formulations had the desired spreadability characteristic and the final products showed moisture and fat content classified as very high moisture and semi-fat cheeses according to the Brazilian legislation. The microbiological counts in L1 and L2 after 150 days of cold storage were within legal limits for thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The satisfactory results in the microbiological and physical-chemical evaluations demonstrated that the Labneh formulations and processing method were efficient to produce a stable product of good quality, indicating that it can be commercialized to a specific niche market.

Abstract The objective of this work was to develop innovative formulations of dulce de leche made with sheep's milk with and without the addition of sheep’s milk cream and evaluate the shelf life of these products. Physicochemical and microbiological evaluations were performed on sheep’s pasteurized milk and cream, as well as on dulce de leche right after production and during the storage time. Addition of cream to sheep dulce de leche did not change the physicochemical and microbiological parameters between formulations. The dulce de leche showed dark color and adequate results of protein, fat, total and microbiological counts (thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. in all evaluations, and total mesophilic aerobic up to 150 days of storage). Innovative formulations of dulce de leche made by sheep’s milk were developed, differentiated from those existing in the Brazilian market, but a specific legislation is required in Brazil focused on the specific characteristics and quality parameters of sheep’s milk and its derivatives.

Abstract Dairy sheep farming, as well as processing of dairy products, are consolidated activities in Brazil, mainly for the production of cheese and yogurt. Considering that sheep milk has high levels of fat and the need for product diversification, this work aimed to develop a new formulation of mascarpone cheese using sheep's milk, since the basis for this type of cheese is milk cream. The quality of this derivative was monitored for 120 days of storage under refrigeration to evaluate microorganisms that indicate quality and safety, in addition to physical-chemical parameters. The ovine mascarpone cheese showed adequate microbiological results, in accordance with the Brazilian legislation, in addition to high total fat, fat content in the dry extract and protein. The physical-chemical and microbiological parameters remained adequate throughout the storage period under maximum temperatures below 7 °C. Mascarpone cheese was classified by its moisture and fat content in the dry extract as medium moisture or semi-hard cheese and as extra fat or double cream cheese, respectively. The processing, packaging and storage conditions proved to be adequate and provided product stability. In this study a new sheep milk derivative was successfully developed, characterized, tested and proved to be adequate for the market.

Abstract This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria from sheep milk products and to characterize these microorganisms with a focus on their antimicrobial, proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Raw milk, pasteurized milk, pasteurized cream, and butter samples were collected, lactic acid bacteria were isolated and their proteolytic, lipolytic and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Lactic acid bacteria counts were higher in raw milk collected at the farm number 4 (8.91 ± 0.05 log CFU/mL), in which adequate hygienic practices were observed for pre- and post-milking. A total of 253 isolates were obtained, and among them 37 were lactic acid bacteria, where 19 showed some type of activity, most of which from raw milk. Among the isolates of lactic acid bacteria, 48.65% (n=18) showed proteolytic activity, 13.51% (n=5) lipolytic activity, 10.81% (n=4) showed both proteolytic and lipolytic activities, and only 2.70% (n=1) showed antimicrobial activity. Isolation of lactic acid bacteria with technological properties demonstrated their potential use as starter cultures in processing of fermented dairy products.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from ovine milk and cheeses manufactured in the South Region of Brazil. Among 112 bacterial isolates investigated, 59 were chosen through a screening for LAB. Among these 59 strains of LAB, 21% showed antimicrobial, proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Based on this screening, Lactobacillus plantarum LCN 17 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LCN 43 were selected and tested for the production of bacteriocin-like substances (BLS). The BLS produced by both isolates showed antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, whereas that produced by L. plantarum LCN 17 presented higher stability to different temperature, pH and enzyme treatments. These strains present potential for production of BLS, and for use as starter cultures.