Milk yield and milk composition of indigenous goats (Capra prisca) in Greece

Abstract

ABSTRACTTwenty-four indigenous goats suckling either single (male or female) or twin kids were traditionally reared during a 32-week lactation period. During the suckling period of 12 weeks, milk production was estimated at 7-day intervals. During the milking period the goats were hand-milked twice daily and their milk production was measured at 4-week intervals. Milk samples were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, ash and dry matter concentration and solids-not-fat and energy concentration were calculated. During lactation, the goats were weighed at regular intervals and their body-condition score assessed at each weighing.Goats with twins produced more milk than did those with singles during the suckling period but not after weaning. Peak yield occurred between the 10th and 11th week of lactation. Yield declined rapidly after weaning at 12 weeks and then decreased gradually from 16 to 32 weeks. The sex of the single kids had no effect on lactation yield. Milk composition was not affected by the number or sex of the kids suckled. Fat, protein and ash concentration fell during the 1st month of lactation and thereafter showed a gradual rise. Lactose concentration fell gradually after the 2nd month. Both live weight and body condition of the goats increased continuously throughout lactation.