Goat Milk Products Research Articles

Enzymatic Modification of Cow, Buffalo and Goat Milk Proteins and their Effect on Anti-Oxidant Activity and Digestibility

Aim: Buffalo milk and goat milk were enzymatically hydrolyzed to have 5, 10 and 15 per cent DH to improve the techno-functional properties of milk proteins in order to utilize in production of channa based dairy products. Study Design: A significant contribution to total milk production of India comes from buffalo milk and followed by cow and goat milk. Inspite of that, Buffalo milk and goat milk are not being utilized for many products in view of their inherent problems associated in production of Chhana based dairy products. Buffalo milk and goat milk were enzymatically hydrolyzed to have 5, 10 and 15 per cent DH to improve the techno-functional properties of milk proteins in order to utilize in production of products. Place and Duration of Study: Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bangalore Karnataka, India Methodology: The Goat milk samples were collected from Sinchana Goat and sheep farm, Marenahalli village (Bengaluru Rural Dist) and Buffalo milk was obtained from country Delight Pvt. Ltd., J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Cow milk used in this investigation was collected from SEDP, Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bangalore. Commercially available pure Neutrase enzyme was purchased from DSM Nutritional Products India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. All the glassware used were soaked in chromic acid solution, repeatedly washed with water, rinsed with distilled water and dried before use. For microbiological analysis dried test tubes, conical flask, pipettes were cotton plugged and sterilized in hot air oven. The chemicals and reagents used in this study were mainly of analytical grade procured from Prince Laboratory Company Pvt limited, Bangalore. The protein molecular weight markers were used for the electrophoretic study were procured from Bangalore Genei Pvt Ltd. Results: Highest protein content was noted in buffalo casein hydrolysate (83.0 %) than cow (81.0 %) and goat (81.16 %) and lowest nitrogen and ash content was observed in goat casein hydrolysate (13.65 %) and (15.20 %) respectively. (Akshya pl include few lines of enzymatic modification on anti-oxidant property and digestibility copy from discussions) Conclusion: Though buffalo milk contributes nearly half of the total milk production of India and goat milk carries both nutritional and therapeutic benefits, the potential utilization of both these milks are very much limited due to the inherent problems associated with them. This investigation has shown that by enzymatically hydrolyzing buffalo milk and goat milk to 5 per cent DH results significant improvement in physico-chemical and functional attributes Rasagulla which is on par with cow’s milk protein hydrolysates. Recommendation: Scavenging activity or anti-oxidant activity and Digestibility of hydrolysates has been studied as influenced by the extent of enzymatic modification in this study.

Comprehensive whole-genome resequencing unveils genetic diversity and selective signatures of the Xiangdong black goat.

Xiangdong black goats, indigenous to Hunan Province, China, exhibit remarkable adaptation to challenging environments and possess distinct black coat coloration alongside exceptional meat quality attributes. Despite their significance, comprehensive genomic investigations of this breed have been notably lacking. This study involved a comprehensive examination of population structure, genomic diversity, and regions of selection in Xiangdong black goats utilizing whole-genome sequencing data from 20 samples of this breed and 139 published samples from six other Chinese goat breeds. Our genomic analysis revealed a total of 19,133,125 biallelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the Xiangdong black goat genome, primarily located in intergenic and intronic regions. Population structure analysis indicated that, compared with Jintang, Guizhou and Chengdu goats, Xiangdong black goats exhibit a reduced level of genetic differentiation but exhibit relatively greater divergence from Jining goats. An examination of genetic diversity within Xiangdong black goats revealed a moderate level of diversity, minimal inbreeding, and a substantial effective population size, which are more reflective of random mating patterns than other Chinese goat breeds. Additionally, we applied four distinct selective sweep methods, namely, the composite likelihood ratio (CLR), fixation index (F ST), θ π ratio and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH), to identify genomic regions under positive selection and genes associated with fundamental biological processes. The most prominent candidate genes identified in this study are involved in crucial aspects of goat life, including reproduction (CCSER1, PDGFRB, IFT88, LRP1B, STAG1, and SDCCAG8), immunity (DOCK8, IL1R1, and IL7), lactation and milk production (SPP1, TLL1, and ERBB4), hair growth (CHRM2, SDC1, ITCH, and FGF12), and thermoregulation (PDE10A). In summary, our research contributes valuable insights into the genomic characteristics of the Xiangdong black goat, underscoring its importance and utility in future breeding programs and conservation initiatives within the field of animal breeding and genetics.

Staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks occurred in Sicily (Italy) from 2009 to 2016.

Notification of foodborne outbreaks has been mandatory in Europe since 2005, and surveillance is carried out along the entire food chain. Here we report the results obtained from laboratory investigations about four cases of foodborne outbreaks that occurred in Sicily between 2009 and 2016, deemed to be related to staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) by the Local Public Health Authority. Primosale cheese samples were processed by culture methods for enumeration of CPS and immunoenzymatic assays for detection and differentiation of the SEs possibly contained in food samples. In all cases, the mistrusted foods were found to be contaminated by CPS at bacterial loads between 5 and 8 log CFU/g and contained SE type C (SEC). The reported data confirm the risk of staphylococcal food poisoning associated with the consumption of raw milk cheese. SEC is the most commonly occurring SE in goat milk and dairy products and the most represented enterotoxin in Sicilian dairy products. Our results highlighted the need for improving the current monitoring efficiency and implementing the available laboratory methods to collect more faithful epidemiological data on the current prevalence of staphylococcal toxins in the food chain, including SEs currently not detectable by validated analytical methods.

Standardization of Dairy Products Through the Implementation of Pasteurization Technology and Aseptic Packaging

In order to enhance the quality of goat's milk products and ensure their cleanliness and safety for consumption, it is imperative to standardize the product and enhance its quality through the implementation of pasteurization technology and the utilization of aseptic packaging. Moreover, this initiative aims to enhance the sustainable commercialization of Rokir Farm's dairy products. Products can generate financial gains for companies while providing individuals with high-quality dairy products. Additionally, these items can support government initiatives to ensure food security and address nutritional deficiencies. This activity entails a collaborative effort between universities and partners to address particular challenges partners encounter in product standardization. Other goat milk-producing farmer groups can utilize this activity as a model.

Total Replacement of Soybean Meal with Sundried Soymilk Residue in the Total Mixed Ration has a Negative Impact on Intake, Digestibility, and Milk Production in Dairy Goats.

This study aimed to evaluate whether total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with sundried soymilk residue (SSR) in a total mixed ration (TMR) affects intake, digestibility, milk production, and blood metabolites in dairy goats. A total of 12 healthy Saanen dairy goats (40.12 ± 5.80 kg of BW) in midlactation (31.23 ± 10.12 days) were used in a randomized complete design (n = 4 goats/group). Dietary treatments were based on a TMR as follows: control TMR without SSR (CON) or SBM-based TMR with 50% or 100% of SSR replacing SBM (SSR-50 and SSR-100, respectively). All goats had ad libitum access to feed and clean water throughout the experiment. The dry matter (DM) intake decreased (p < 0.05) with the increasing replacement ratio of SBM and was lowest in the SSR-100 group. Similarly, organic matter (OM) digestibility was lowest (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. However, the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF did not change (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. Compared with CON, the milk yield decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing replacement ratio of SBM. In contrast, milk composition such as total solids, solids-not-fat, milk fat, lactose, protein, and pH were not influenced (p > 0.05) by feeding dietary SSR. Compared with other treatments, blood glucose concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in the SSR-100 group. In contrast, packed cell volume, glucose, and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05). The results indicated that SSR could replace SBM in a TMR at less than 50%. Thus, the present study provides support for further investigation to enhance the utilization of soybean waste as an alternative protein source in the TMR for dairy goats and potentially other ruminants.

Halal product guarantee system in powdered goat milk production house

The halal product guarantee system is a criterion that must be met in halal certification activities in order to guarantee and maintain the consistency of the halal product process so that it complies with applicable laws. Processing of powdered goat milk is carried out by adding granulated sugar and vegetable creamer to powdered goat milk products, which in the Decree of the Head of BPJPH No. 748 of 2021 includes critical materials that must have a halal certificate. The decree of the Head of BPJPH No. 57 of 2021 is a reference for the food processing industry. This practical work report aims to determine whether there are critical ingredients in the product and the efforts made in implementing the halal assurance system at powdered goat milk production houses. The problem-solving methodology used is observation, problem formulation, interviews, literature study, documentation, and checklist forms with evaluation criteria referring to the Decree of the Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency No. 57 of 2021. The evaluation results show that powdered goat milk production houses have implemented 74.2% of the criteria, and 25.8% of the criteria that have not been met are caused by the negligence of the workforce who do not use masks and gloves; the majority of production processes still use manual methods and a hot room.

Cactus species and tree forage hay in the diet of dairy goats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the association of Opuntia stricta (OS) or Nopalea cochenillifera (NC) with Moringa hay (MY) or Leucaena hay (LY) on nutrient intake, ingestive behavior, serum biochemistry, and milk production and composition of dairy goat. Eight multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average of 68 ± 8 days in milk and 48.5 ± 6kg of initial weight, fed with the following treatment diets: OS + MY; OS + LY; NC + MY, and NC + LY. The treatments were distributed in a double Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two varieties of cactus and two of hay). Goats fed with NC had higher (P < 0.05) intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates. There was no influence (P > 0.05) on milk production, but goats fed with OS produced milk with higher (P < 0.05) fat content and presented higher (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the hay type on the nutrient intake and milk production and composition of goats, but the animals fed with MY had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and greater efficiency of NDF rumination. Goats fed with OS showed greater feeding and rumination efficiency. Our results indicated that both cactus species could be successfully included in the diet of low yielding dairy goats fed 18.4% concentrate.

BAURAN PEMASARAN DAN STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN SUSU KAMBING (STUDI KASUS PADA KARYA ETAWA FARM BANYUWANGI)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the marketing mix and development strategy of goat milk at Karya Etawa Farm, Kalipuro District, Banyuwangi Regency. The research method is a case study using descriptive analysis data and SWOT analysis. Data were collected in April - July 2021. The results of the study showed that the marketing mix in Karya Etawa Farm includes (a) goat milk products produced have various flavors and good quality, (b) product prices follow competitors, (c) milk distribution is carried out either directly to consumers or through retailers, (d) promotional activities are carried out through face-to-face and sales promotions. The business development strategy can be carried out through (a) business owners utilizing and maintaining business locations to produce quality products and improve marketing networks, b) maintaining product quality by utilizing support and supervision from the government, (c) maintaining product quality and setting competitive market prices, (d) strengthening and expanding marketing network cooperation through resellers of goat milk products, (e) using more modern technology to produce quality products and raise interest in goat milk consumption. Keywords: marketing mix, goat milk, development strategies

Microproteomic-Based Analysis of the Goat Milk Protein Synthesis Network and Casein Production Evaluation.

Goat milk has been consumed by humans since ancient times and is highly nutritious. Its quality is mainly determined by its casein content. Milk protein synthesis is controlled by a complex network with many signal pathways. Therefore, the aim of our study is to clearly depict the signal pathways involved in milk protein synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) using state-of-the-art microproteomic techniques and to identify the key genes involved in the signal pathway. The microproteomic analysis identified more than 2253 proteins, with 323 pathways annotated from the identified proteins. Knockdown of IRS1 expression significantly influenced goat casein composition (α, β, and κ); therefore, this study also examined the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene more closely. A total of 12 differential expression proteins (DEPs) were characterized as upregulated or downregulated in the IRS1-silenced sample compared to the negative control. The enrichment and signal pathways of these DEPs in GMECs were identified using GO annotation and KEGG, as well as KOG analysis. Our findings expand our understanding of the functional genes involved in milk protein synthesis in goats, paving the way for new approaches for modifying casein content for the dairy goat industry and milk product development.

Supramolecular self-assembly strategies of natural-based β-lactoglobulin modulating bitter perception of goat milk–derived bioactive peptides

Complete self-assembly and reassembly behavior of bitter peptide-protein necessitates multilevel theories that encompass phenomena ranging from the self-assembly of recombinant complex to atomic trajectories. An extension to the level of mechanism method was put forth, involves limited enzymatic digestion and bottom-up proteomics to dissect inherent heterogeneity within β-LG and β-LG-PPGLPDKY complex and uncover conformational and dynamic alterations occurring in specific local regions of the model protein. Bitter peptide PPGLPDKY spontaneously bound to IIAEKTK, IDALNENK, and YLLFCMENSAEPEQSLACQCLVR regions of β-LG in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio to mask bitterness perception. Molecular dynamic simulation and free energy calculation provided time-varying atomic trajectories of the recombinant complex and found that a peptide was stabilized in the upper region of the hydrophobic cavity with the binding free energy of -30.56 kJ mol-1 through 4 hydrogen bonds (Glu74, Glu55, Lys69, and Ser116) and hydrophobic interactions (Asn88, Asn90, and Glu112). Current research aims to provide valuable physical insights into the macroscopic self-assembly behavior between proteins and bitter peptides, and the meticulous design of highly acceptable taste characteristics in goat milk products.

Milk proteomic analysis reveals differentially expressed proteins in high-yielding and low-yielding Guanzhong dairy goats at peak lactation.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the differential proteomic characteristics of milk from high- and low-yielding Guanzhong dairy goats during the peak lactation period under the same feeding conditions. Nine Guanzhong dairy goats with high yield (H: 3.5 ± 0.17 kg/d) and nine with low yield (L:1.2 ± 0.25 kg/d) were selected for milk proteomic analysis using tandem mass tag technology. A total of 78 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Compared with L, 50 proteins including HK3, HSPB1 and ANXA2 were significantly upregulated in H milk, while 28 proteins including LALBA and XDH were significantly downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis of the differentially expressed proteins showed that galactose metabolism, purine metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, MAPK signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and other pathways were closely related to milk yield. HK3, HSPB1, ANXA2, LALBA and XDH were important candidate proteins associated with the milk production characteristics of Guanzhong dairy goats. Our data provide relevant biomarkers and a theoretical basis for improving milk production in Guanzhong dairy goats.

Fermented goat milk as a functional food for obesity prevention or treatment: a narrative review

Fermentation can potentiate goat milk’s beneficial properties or generate new bioactive ingredients. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge on the potential of fermented goat milk (FGM) products to improve different biomarkers of a modern epidemic: obesity and its comorbidities. In vitro studies have indicated functional properties of bioactive peptides or lipids obtained from FGM, showing potential to prevent Cardiovascular Disease development and anti-inflammatory activity. Probiotic strains derived from goat milk have prevented diet-induced obesity in animal models, and can represent a better techno-functional alternative to ferment this matrix than traditional starters. A small number of studies evaluated the functional properties of FGM in animal models of obesity. The observed in vitro effects of isolated compounds are generally in agreement with in vivo models’ findings. Overall, reports showed a positive impact on the prevention of body weight gain and several metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters. Nevertheless, evidence is limited and the mechanisms involved are fairly unknown. Comparisons between non-fermented and fermented products in vivo studies are lacking. Functional properties of FGM products aimed at improving the health of obese patients lack support from clinical trials. Considering the current evidence, the administration of complete FGM can be more beneficial to obese patients than the administration of its isolated compounds (lipids, peptides, or microorganisms). The addition of plant by-products with prebiotic or antioxidant properties is a promising strategy to enhance FGM functionality.

A novel regulatory sex-skewing method that inhibits testicular DPY30 expression to increase female rate of dairy goat offspring.

The demand for goat milk products has increased exponentially with the growth of the global population. The shortage of dairy products will be addressed extraordinarily by manipulating the female rate of goat offspring to expand the goat population and goat milk yield. No studies have reported bioinformatic analyses of X- and Y-bearing sperm of dairy goats, although this will contribute to exploring novel and applied sex-skewing technologies. Regulatory subunit of the histone methyltransferase complex (DPY30) was determined to bethe key differentially expressed protein (DEP) among 15 DEPs identified in the present study. The spatiotemporal expression of DPY30 strongly suggested a functional involvement of the protein in spermatogenesis. DPY30 promoted meiosis via upregulating SYCP3, which played a crucial role in mediating sex ratio skewing in goats. Although DPY30 suppressed the self-renewal of spermatogonia stem cells through AKT/PLZF, DPY30 inhibition in the testis did not induce testicular dysgenesis. Based on the biosafety assessment in mice testes, lentivirus-mediated DPY30 knockdown in bucks' testes increased X-bearing sperm proportion and female kids' rate (22.8 percentage points) without affecting sperm quality, pregnancy rate, and kidding rate. This study provides the first evidence of the DEGs in the sexed sperm of dairy goats. DPY30 inhibition in the testes of bucks increased the female kids' rate without influencing reproductive performance. The present study provides evidence for expanding the female dairy goat population to address the concern of dairy product shortage.

Productivity and milk quality of Saanen and Anglo- Nubian breeds of goats under the conditions of the Lower Volga region

Prospects for the development of dairy goat farming and goat milk production in many countries of the world, including Russia, are directly related to the dietary and healing properties of the product. An urgent problem is the comparative assessment of the adaptive and productive traits of dairy goats of imported selection under various ecological and climatic conditions of Russia, including the conditions of the sharp continental climate of the Lower Volga region. The purpose of the work was to give a comparative assessment of the eff ectiveness of breeding lactating goats of Saanen and AngloNubian breeds of imported selection under the conditions of the sharp continental climate of the Lower Volga region. The object of research was imported dairy goats. Two groups of female goats of Saanen and Anglo-Nubian breeds of the fi rst lactation of 10 heads in each were formed, taking into account their live weight, age of insemination and origin. The duration of the scientific and farm experiment was 210 days.Consistently high milk yield was found in goats of Saanen breed compared with the milk yield of their herdmates of Anglo-Nubian breed. The signifi cant diff erence in milk yield in favor of Saanen goats by months ranged from 13,24 to 16,51 % (p &lt; 0,05). In general, during lactation the superiority of Saanen goats over their Anglo-Nubian herdmates in terms of milk yield was 61,2 kg or 15,75 %. A comparative analysis of quality indicators revealed a significant superiority of milk from goats of Anglo-Nubian breed such as in the mass fraction of fat by 1,48 abs.% (p &lt; 0,05), in the mass fraction of protein by 0,24 abs.% (p &lt; 0,05), in terms of milk fat yield by 3,15 kg (p &lt; 0,05). It was found as a result that in the production of milk from goats of Anglo-Nubian breed, the level of profitability of milk with basic fat content (3,5 %) was higher by 27,78 abs.% compared with herdmates of Saanen breed.

Digestibility and Milk Production of Dairy Goat Fed Concentrate Contain Tree Legumes at Various Levels

Digestibility and Milk Production of Dairy Goat Fed Concentrate Contain Tree Legumes at Various Levels

Method of goat immunodiagnosis in arthritis-encephalitis

Currently, serological tests are used in the diagnosis of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), but a more accurate diagnosis of the disease requires the most reliable modern methods of immunodiagnosis. This is important for timely diagnosis and prevention of this disease, especially in commercial production of goat milk. At the present stage, the practice of infectious diseases immunodiagnosis in animals includes the determination of cytokines 6 and 10. The discovered cytokines allow for a different view on the infectious disease pathogenesis, while the previously used diagnostic methods are not excluded from the veterinary practice. At present, during the restoration and renewal of the goat population, new breeds purchased in foreign countries have appeared, and with them have come new diseases not previously prevalent in the Russian Federation. Therefore, practicing veterinarians need to develop the most effective immunodiagnostic tests for these diseases and work out effective control and prevention methods, as well as to be able to assess the risks of new infections or mixt infections. Immunophenotyping is performed in various infectious animal diseases, and immunological monitoring is also possible.

Inovasi Pengembangan Pemasaran Produk Susu Kambing Etawa di Dusun Jengglik

Community empowerment initiatives are pivotal in bolstering the financial stability of rural communities, particularly those facing challenges in marketing local products such as fresh milk. One of the strategic actions taken for the village populace involves enhancing the marketability of Etawa goat milk—a product with significant demand. The principal objective of this service activity is to inject innovation into the sales techniques of Jegglik Village's community outputs. It was achieved through the creation of distinctive logos or labels and leveraging Google Maps to extend the customer base, thereby amplifying the visibility of Etawa goat milk production far and wide. The approach employed in these community service efforts was Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which focuses on fostering social cohesion and enabling community-led environmental and economic development, also known as Community-Driven Development (CDD). The outcomes of this initiative have been markedly positive, yielding beneficial impacts for the community, such as expanded market reach and the ability to forge contractual relationships with milk production enterprises.

DNA methylation of GDF-9 and GHR genes as epigenetic regulator of milk production in Egyptian Zaraibi goat

BackgroundDNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that takes place at gene promoters and a potent epigenetic marker to regulate gene expression.ObjectiveThe study aimed to improve the milk production of Zaraibi goats by addressing the methylation pattern of two milk production-related genes: the growth hormone receptor (GHR) and the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9).Methods54 and 46 samples of low and high milk yield groups, respectively, were collected. Detection of methylation was assessed in two CpG islands in the GDF-9 promoter via methylation-specific primer assay (MSP) and in one CpG island across the GHR promoter using combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA).ResultsA positive correlation between the methylation pattern of GDF-9 and GHR and their expression levels was reported. Breeding season was significantly effective on both peak milk yield (PMY) and total milk yield (TMY), where March reported a higher significant difference in PMY than November. Whereas single birth was highly significant on TMY than multiple births. The 3rd and 4th parities reported the highest significant difference in PMY, while the 4th parity was the most effective one on TMY.ConclusionThese results may help improve the farm animals' milk productive efficiency and develop prospective epigenetic markers to improve milk yield by epigenetic marker-assisted selection (eMAS) in goat breeding programs.

The significance of goat milk in enhancing nutrition security: a scientiometric evaluation of research studies from 1966 to 2020

BackgroundThe present study aimed to reveal scientific findings on goat milk as an instrument to combat food and nutrition insecurity, while considering the recurrent challenge posed by food dearth and high rise of hunger among susceptible people of numerous nations.ResultsA sum of 9206 research outputs were extracted in a BibTeX design for evaluation by means of bibliometric package in R studio software. The generated result included, but not restricted to authors, citations, affiliations, journals and key words. Published research findings on goat milk as related to nutrition security retrieved from web of science (WOS) and Scopus data bases were used with an increase in scientific findings of an annual growth of 14.42% during the period of study. From the result of the study, Spain was rated in first position with a total of publications (n = 953), and a massive global scientific influence with the highest article citations (n = 17,035). The most commonly referred authors’ keywords in this research field were goat/s (n = 1605), milk (n = 920), dairy goat/s (n = 372), fatty acid/s (n = 307), cheese (n = 251), milk production (n = 220), milk consumption (n = 173), which all together gave a hint on associated research studies on goat milk and nutrition security.ConclusionsThe current study presented a global picture that covers the pool of scientific knowledge on goat milk research and its relevance in nutrition security, while giving a direction for more studies in this research area. It is of utmost importance to stress that the present findings only addressed prime areas of goat milk production as linked to nutrition security research, therefore, it is proposed that novel empirical study and potential research outcomes would give new understanding and insight on goat milk utilization as an avenue to tackle nutrition security issues as new findings emerges.

Genetic parameters for milk production and type traits in North American and European Alpine and Saanen dairy goat populations

The development of an across-country genomic evaluation scheme is a promising alternative for enlarging reference populations and successfully implementing genomic selection in small ruminant populations. However, the feasibility of such evaluations depends on the genetic similarity among the populations, and therefore, high connectedness and high genetic correlations between the traits recorded in different countries or populations are needed. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of performing an across-country genomic evaluation for milk production and type traits in Alpine and Saanen goats from Canada, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Variance components and genetic parameters, including genetic correlations between traits recorded in different countries, were calculated using combined phenotypes, genotypes, and pedigree datasets. The (co)variance component analyses were performed within breed, either based only on pedigree information or also incorporating genomic information. Across-country genetic parameters were calculated for 3 representative traits (i.e., milk yield, fat content, and rear udder attachment). The heritability estimates ranged from 0.10 to 0.50, which are consistent with previous estimates reported in the literature. The genetic correlations for rear udder attachment ranged from 0.75 (between France and Italy, for the Alpine breed without genomic information) to 0.95 (between Canada and France, for the Saanen breed with genomic information), whereas for fat content, between France and Italy, they ranged from 0.75 in the Alpine breed without genomic information to 0.78 in the Alpine breed with genomic information. However, genetic correlations for milk yield were only estimable between France and Italy, with a moderate value of 0.45 for the Alpine breed with or without genomic information, and of 0.22 and 0.26 in the Saanen breed with and without genomic information, respectively. These low genetic correlations for milk yield could be due to several factors, including the trait definition in each country and genotype-by-environment interactions (GxE). The high genetic correlations found for fat content and rear udder attachment indicate that these traits might be more standardized across countries and less affected by GxE effects. Thus, an international genomic evaluation for these traits might be feasible. Further studies should be performed to understand the surprisingly lower genetic correlations between milk yield across countries. Furthermore, additional efforts should be made to increase the genetic connection among the Alpine and Saanen goat populations in the 4 countries included in the analyses.