Physicochemical composition of Criolla and Criolla x Saanen goat milk according to age and parity in the central highlands of Peru

Abstract

Present study aimed to analyze the physicochemical composition of goat milk based on the type of animal, age, and parity in Chupuro, Junin region in the country of Peru. A total of 24 goats were randomly selected, and divided into two groups: 12 native goats and 12 native goats crossed with Saanen. These groups (G1, G2, and G3) included three age categories (1.8, 2.5, and 3.2 years) and three parity levels (first, second, and third parity). The animals were monitored and fed considering their conversion and nutritional requirements. Before the morning milking, 100 ml of milk was extracted in sterile bottles, followed by agitation for 3 to 5 minutes, and the samples were transported using conservation and cooling techniques in a thermal box with ice cubes. These samples were analyzed in the special laboratory. Measurements of pH, acidity, density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein were conducted using milk analyzer. The findings for the Criollo breed revealed a pH of 6.35 ± 0.31, a lactose concentration of 4.35%, total solids of 11.62 ± 1.31%, protein content of 4.12 ± 0.35%, and fat content of 3.40 ± 0.91%. In comparison, the Criollo x Saanen crossbreed exhibited a pH of 6.43 ± 0.13%, a lactose concentration of 4.45%, total solids of 12.63 ± 0.92%, protein content of 4.26 ± 0.28%, and fat content of 3.95 ± 0.69%. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the types of milk from native goats and native goats crossed with Saanen. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein between groups of different ages and parity levels. Crossbreeding with the Saanen breed is well received in the region, as it serves to improve milk production, with favorable percentages of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids.