Milk Yield and Composition, Technological Properties and Homeostasis Indices at Different Lactation Stages and Parities of Two Polish Dairy Goat Breeds

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of breed, lactation number, and lactation stage on milk efficiency and goat milk ingredients, these being indicators of milk technological parameters and homeostasis disturbances. Goat breed and number of lactation affected energy-corrected milk, value-corrected milk yield, fat corrected milk, protein, casein, lactose contents and free fatty acids. Additionally, differences in non-fat solids and urea contents were found between two Polish common dairy breeds White Improved (PWI) and Fawn Improved (PFI) goats. Moreover, parity affected milk yield, its acidity and somatic cell count (SCC). Milk yield and milk components were found to vary according to lactation stage. At the beginning of lactation, milk is richer in ingredients which have effect on cheese and yoghurt production. All the goats undergo similar changes related to the lactation stage that is at the same time and this can affect the yield and quality of the curd. In production focused on liquid milk, the age structure of the herd should be properly managed, as the goats in their third lactation or above have higher milk yields, regardless of breed. For cheese production, the PWI breed would be more suitable than PFI as the PWI goat milk contains less SCC and more components essential for milk processing, including caseins.