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Dairy sheep breed genetic improvement programs have responded to the increasing market demand and popularity, especially for cheeses made from sheep's milk. These milk derivatives are an important source of bioactive substances for human health. Therefore, it is very important to learn about milk production (MPROD) and the factors that influence its variation. The typical pattern of MPROD during the period when an ewe is lactating is known as the lactation curve (LC), and this can be typical (TLC) or atypical (ACL). TLCs are characterized by reaching a maximum MPROD (lactation peak, LP) within a few days after parturition, and then gradually decreasing until the end of lactation, or lactation drying, is reached. ALCs are those that show some deviation from the normal pattern. It is important to know the graphical representation of lactation behavior, as, in addition to predicting MPROD, it makes it possible to identify health and feeding issues, as well as to select females that will excel in MPROD. Persistence of lactation (PER) has been defined as the rate of decline in MPROD after the LP was reached, and it is highly desirable for ewes to have a high PER. Mathematical models have been developed for the study of LCs and PER. There are genetic and environmental factors that influence LCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]