The effect of milk origin on the physicochemical characteristics, microstructure and texture of Lighvan
cheese was investigated over a 90-day ripening period. Besides fat, other physicochemical properties
of Lighvan cheese were affected by milk type. The moisture content of Lighvan cheese decreased
when half or all the ovine milk was substituted with bovine milk. The Lighvan cheese’s microstruc-
tural properties and porosity were affected by type of milk and ripening time. Compaction of cheeses
manufactured from ovine and mixed ovine and bovine milk is similar, and more than that of bovine
Lighvan cheese. Ovine Lighvan cheese is harder and less brittle than bovine and mixed bovine and
ovine