Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the yield and composition of milk from 30 indigenous South African goats of different genotypes, namely Nguni, Boer, and non-descript, reared under a free-ranging system. Milk yield and composition (milk fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat, and minerals) from Nguni (10), Boer (10) and non-descript (10) goats were measured and analysed per week at each stage of lactation. Results showed that Nguni goats produced (1.2 ± 0.09, 1.3 ± 0.11 and 1.2 ± 0.07 litres per day) more milk (p < 0.05) at early, mid-, and late stages of lactation than Boer (0.6 ± 0.10, 1.0 ± 0.17, and 0.6 ± 0.09 litres per day) and non-descript (0.3 ± 0.10, 0.3 ± 0.12, and 0.3 ± 0.09 litres per day) goats, respectively. The mean value of milk fat, protein, and lactose content from Nguni goats was 3.98, 3.54, and 5.31; Boer goats, 2.9, 3.59, and 5.04 and non-descript goats, 4.05, 3.39, and 5.02, respectively. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of genotypes on milk fat, milk magnesium, and sodium contents of Nguni, Boer, and non-descript goats. It could be concluded that Nguni goats produced more milk than Boer and non-descript goats, but the non-descript goat had a higher mean percentage of milk fat compared to Nguni and Boer goats.
Highlights
With malnutrition, poverty, and a daily increase in the human population in South Africa, alternative sources of animal protein need to be investigated
The objective of this study was to assess the influence of lactation stages and goat genotypes on milk yield, milk protein, milk fat, solid non-fat (SNF), lactose, density, and milk mineral composition of Nguni, Boer, and non-descript goats raised under natural grazing conditions
The possible reason for the low milk production of the three goat genotypes when compared to exotic breeds could be due to the fact that most indigenous South African goats are traditionally used for meat and they are often not considered for dairy purpose [3]
Summary
Poverty, and a daily increase in the human population in South Africa (rural areas being the worst hit), alternative sources of animal protein need to be investigated. The Eastern Cape Province of South Africa has been reported to have a high percentage (42.2%) of poverty [1]. With this in mind, there exists the possibility of using goats as a potential protein source (milk and meat) and for income generation (hide and skin) to improve the livelihoods of people, especially those in the rural areas. Exotic dairy goat breeds are more expensive and are often susceptible to disease and parasite infestation than indigenous goat breeds that are well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions and are less expensive to maintain [5]
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