Goat Milk Products Research Articles

Goat milk production in Guanajuato, Mexico: Coordination mechanisms established in the agri-food chain

Objective: To characterize the goat producers according to the industrial destinations of the milk, in order to analyze the coordination mechanisms established in the agri-food chain. Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey was applied to 122 randomly selected goat producers. Taking into account two industrial destinations, a socioeconomic, productive, and commercial comparison was carried out, through T-tests for independent means. In order to analyze the coordination mechanisms, the data were complemented interviewing owners of collection centers and businessmen who processed milk. Results: The producers had small herds and a basic level of education. They used family workforce. The lack of organization in the sale limited their participation in the agri-food chain coordination. Milk processing companies coordinate their efforts, organizing the collection, reaching trade agreements, setting prices, and establishing quality rules, usually through informal agreements. Limitations/Implications: State intervention is necessary to regulate relations between the actors of the agri-food chain. Findings/Conclusions: The informality of coordination mechanisms favors agribusiness and turns them into forms of domination that ensure their profitability

Seasonal Variations in the Composition and Physicochemical Characteristics of Sheep and Goat Milks

There has been growing consumer interest in sheep and goat milk products as alternatives to cow milk products. The physicochemical characteristics of milk vary not only between ruminant species, but also during different seasons; they determine the nutritional quality and processing properties of the milk. In this study, we characterized sheep and goat milks from New Zealand over the seasons for their composition (macronutrients, macro- and micro-minerals, fatty acids, and proteins) and physicochemical properties (e.g., ionic calcium, fat globule size, casein micelle size, viscosity, and melting behavior of milk fat). Heat-induced (95 °C for 5 min) protein interactions and changes in the physical properties of the milks were also investigated. The compositional and structural features of sheep and goat milks were identified and compared with those reported for cow milk. Seasonal variations in the milk characteristics were more pronounced for sheep milk than goat milk and were probably affected by the production systems. Sheep milk, particularly in the late season, had the largest heat-induced increases in casein micelle size and viscosity, probably arising from the greater casein–whey protein and casein–casein interactions during heat treatment. This study provides comprehensive information on the properties of sheep and goat milks and highlights the interaction effects between species, season, and processing.

Seasonal quality of milk from Creole grazing goats, stabled Saanen and French-Alpine goats

Background: Goat milk production has been increasing in northern Mexico; however, there is little information available about its quality. Objective: To compare goat milk quality during three seasons among creole goats in a traditional grazing system and stabled Saanen and French-Alpine goats. Methods: An experiment was performed in a completely randomized nested design with seasonality factor (fixed effects) with three levels (rain, transition, and drought) and breed factor (fixed effect with three levels (Creole, Saanen and French-Alpine)) nested within the season-of-the-year factor. Fifteen goats were randomly selected: five Creole in the extensive grazing system, five stabled Saanen, and five stabled French-Alpine. The factors assessed in milk were fat content, non-fat solids, protein, lactose, salts, density, freezing point, conductivity, and pH (using a Lactoscan® device). Results: With respect to season for all the breeds: fat, non-fat solids, protein, lactose, and salt contents were higher (p≤0.05) for goats sampled in the rainy season, followed by drought and transition seasons, respectively. The variables related to milk quality by breed and season showed that milk fat content of creole goats was greater (p≤0.05) in the drought season; salt and non-fat content (p≤0.05) in the three seasons of the year; density and protein increased (p≤0.05) in the transition and rainy seasons, while lactose was greater (p≤0.05) in drought and rainy seasons; protein was greater (p≤0.05) in transition and rainy seasons; and the freezing point was lower (p≤0.05) in the transition season. Regarding conductivity, French-Alpine milk was greater (p≤0.05) in the drought season. Conclusion: Season of the year significantly affects milk quality, with increased quality during the rainy season in creole grazing goats.

TBE in Romania

Based on an epidemiological survey performed, human TBEV neuroinfections may have an endemic emergent course, and natural foci are in full territorial expansion. Identified risk areas are Tulcea district, Transylvania, at the base of the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps. TBE has been a notifiable disease since 1996. Surveillance of TBE is not done at the country level, only regionally in some counties (northern/central/western part, close to Hungary). The passive surveillance system was implemented in 2008. However, there is no regular screening and the relative risk of contracting this disease is unknown. In 1999, an outbreak of TBE in humans was recorded with a total of at least 38 human cases. The probable cause of the outbreak was goat milk and raw goat milk products. Subsequent studies to detect TBEV in ticks in the affected regions resulted in a non-specified number of TBEV isolates, which were described as belonging to the European subtype of TBEV. A publication of the neighboring Republic of Moldova described the existence of the Far-eastern subtype of TBEV just at the border to Romania.

Current goat milk production, characteristics, and utilization in Indonesia

In Indonesia and some southeast Asian countries, the number of goats raised for milk production is growing. In these countries, goat milk is the second most produced and consumed milk after cow milk. In Indonesia, dairy goats’ development is promising, but the farming of dairy goats and marketing milk products is still scattered and unstructured. The milk is produced from varieties of goat breeds, including Peranakan Etawa, Saanen, Nubian, and their crosses. Goat milk has unique and distinct characteristics and is an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Compared to cow milk, it has smaller fat globules, more homogenous, shorter rennet coagulation time, and softer curd. Goat milk utilization includes fluid milk for direct consumption; frozen fresh milk; dried or powdered milk; fermented milk products such as yogurt, kefir, including its derivatives such as cosmetics, concentrated yogurt, yogurt cheese, ice cream, shakes; cheeses such as fresh cottage-type cheese, acid-coagulated cheese and mozzarella; and also, other traditional products such as sweets & candies and caramels. The development of dairy goats and goat milk consumption is driven by several factors, including the low cost for start-up and production, consumers’ demand, alleged health properties of goat milk, and varieties of products.

Characterization of Bioactive Sialyl Oligosaccharides Separated from Colostrum of Indonesia Dairy Goat.

The bioactive functions of oligosaccharides from human milk have been reported by many studies. Many of oligosaccharides isolated from colostrum and/or milk of dairy animals have been reported to have similar chemical structures with those in human colostrum and/or milk. It has been proved by several studies that the oligosaccharides with similar chemical structure shared common bioactivities. Among domesticated dairy animals, bovine/cattle, caprine/goat, and ovine/sheep are the most commonly used species to isolate oligosaccharides from their colostrum and/or milk. Several studies on the oligosaccharides from goat colostrum and milk have revealed similar properties to that of human milk and possess the highest content of sialyl oligosaccharides (SOS) as compared to other ruminants. Indonesia ranks first in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for goat milk production. Therefore, goat milk is the second most consumed milk in the country. The most reared dairy goat breed in Indonesia is Etawah Grade. However, oligosaccharides from Indonesia dairy animals including goat, have not been characterized. This is the first study to characterize oligosaccharides from Indonesia dairy animals. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize oligosaccharides, specifically SOS from the colostrum of Etawah Grade goats by using proton/1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. The SOS successfully characterized in this study were: Neu5Ac(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (3’-N-acetylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Ac(α2-6)Gal(β1-4)Glc (6’-N-acetylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Gc(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glc (3’-N-glycolylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Gc(α2-6)Gal(β1-4)Glc (6’-N-glycolylneuraminyllactose), Neu5Ac(α2-6)Gal(β1-4) GlcNAc (6’-N-acetylneuraminyllactosamine) and Neu5Gc(α2-6)Gal(β1-4)GlcNAc (6’-N-glycolylneuraminyllactosamine). This finding shows that Etawah Grade, as a local dairy goat breed in Indonesia, is having significant potential to be natural source of oligosaccharides that can be utilized in the future food and pharmaceutical industries.

Association analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism in prolactin and its receptor with productive and body conformation traits in Liaoning cashmere goats.

The results of this study showed that the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites of the PRL and PRLR genes have a certain association with the milk production performance, body size and cashmere performance of Liaoning cashmere goats (LCGs). Through our designed experiment, the potential SNPs of LCG were detected by sequence alignment, and two SNPs were found on two genes. The CC genotype of the PRL gene is the dominant genotype among the three genotypes. The GG genotype of the PRLR gene is the dominant genotype among the two genotypes. At the same time, the two genotypes also have good performance in cashmere production and body size. Through the screening of haplotype combination, the milk fat rate 7.6 %, the milk protein rate 5.6 %, the milk somatic cell number 1500 10 mL, the cashmere fineness 15.75 m, the chest girth 105 cm, the chest depth 33 cm, and the waist height 67.5 cm are considered as screening indexes for comprehensive production performance of Liaoning cashmere goats. It is concluded that the GCGC type is the dominant haplotype combination. According to our research data, we found that the biological indicators of Liaoning cashmere goat milk are higher than the national standards, so we think it is very significant to study the milk production performance of our experiment. Further research can be done on goat milk production and body conformation traits around PRL gene and PRLR gene.

DNA-based qualitative and quantitative identification of bovine whey powder in goat dairy products

As one of the main ingredients in some milk powders, whey powder is sometimes added to pure goat milk products, which can cause health risks, economic fraud, and unfair competition of food industries. This study is the first to explore qualitative and quantitative methods to identify adulteration of bovine whey powder in goat dairy products based on DNA. We extracted DNA from whey powder using a modified DNA extraction method; this exhibited good quality and integrity, with purity of 1.53 to 1.75 and concentration of 122 to 179 ng/μL. Conventional PCR and real-time PCR were compared for qualitative detection of bovine whey powder; real-time PCR demonstrated sensitivity of 0.01 ng/μL, which was higher than the 0.05 ng/μL detected by the conventional PCR method. Furthermore, real-time PCR was conducted for DNA quantitative detection, with good linearity (R2 = 0.9858) obtained for bovine whey powder contents from 0.1% to 30%. Relative error decreased with increase of the mixing proportion of whey powder; the coefficient of variation above 0.1% of the mixing ratio was close to or less than 5%; and the relative standard deviation of repeatability results was less than 5%. Considering the economic costs of testing, conventional PCR could be performed first, and samples with obvious intentional adulteration detected can be further accurately quantified by real-time PCR. Overall, this research provides a realistic and effective method for qualitative and quantitative identification of bovine whey powder in goat dairy products, thus laying a good foundation for verification of goat dairy product label claims and industrial control.

Candidate Genes and Their Expressions Involved in the Regulation of Milk and Meat Production and Quality in Goats (Capra hircus).

Simple SummaryDuring the present decade, highly selected caprine farming has increased in popularity due to the hardiness and adaptability inherent to goats. Recent advances in genetics have enabled the improvement in goat selection efficiency. The present review explores how genetic technologies have been applied to the goat-farming sector in the last century. The main candidate genes related to economically relevant traits are reported. The major source of income in goat farming derives from the sale of milk and meat. Consequently, yield and quality must be specially considered. Meat-related traits were evaluated considering three functional groups (weight gain, carcass quality and fat profile). Milk traits were assessed in three additional functional groups (milk production, protein and fat content).Despite their pivotal position as relevant sources for high-quality proteins in particularly hard environmental contexts, the domestic goat has not benefited from the advances made in genomics compared to other livestock species. Genetic analysis based on the study of candidate genes is considered an appropriate approach to elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of the expression of functional traits. This is especially relevant when such functional traits are linked to economic interest. The knowledge of candidate genes, their location on the goat genetic map and the specific phenotypic outcomes that may arise due to the regulation of their expression act as a catalyzer for the efficiency and accuracy of goat-breeding policies, which in turn translates into a greater competitiveness and sustainable profit for goats worldwide. To this aim, this review presents a chronological comprehensive analysis of caprine genetics and genomics through the evaluation of the available literature regarding the main candidate genes involved in meat and milk production and quality in the domestic goat. Additionally, this review aims to serve as a guide for future research, given that the assessment, determination and characterization of the genes associated with desirable phenotypes may provide information that may, in turn, enhance the implementation of goat-breeding programs in future and ensure their sustainability.

87. The impact of internal parasitism on milk production and udder health of dairy goats in low-input pastoral farming systems

87. The impact of internal parasitism on milk production and udder health of dairy goats in low-input pastoral farming systems

Effects of spent coffee grounds on production traits, haematological parameters, and antioxidant activity of blood and milk in dairy goats

Spent coffee ground (SCG) is a byproduct of coffee beverage preparation and a potential source of carbohydrate, protein, and phenolic compounds for livestock feeding. In this study, the effects of SCG supplementation in the diet of lactating goats on milk production traits and health status were studied. The antioxidant status of blood and milk was also evaluated. Twenty-four Saanen goats were fed a total mixed ration containing commercial concentrate, soybean, and haylage; they were divided into three groups: control diet (CON), SCG50 (50 g/d SCG), and SCG100 (100 g/d SCG). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. Linear and quadratic contrasts were used to evaluate the effects of the byproduct doses. SCG supplementation did not affect milk production, but influenced some milk fatty acids. SCG supplementation increased the contents of C18:1, cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, odd and branched-chain fatty acids, and total conjugated linoleic acid. Most of the haematological and biochemical parameters were within the physiological range for goats. The basophil, eosinophil, and glucose contents were quadratically affected by SCG, whereas platelet count increased linearly with the SCG dose. The SCG supplementation had a positive effect on the blood antioxidant status, as evidenced by an increase in ferric reducing antioxidant power and a decrease in malondialdehyde. The SCG supplementation had no effect on the milk antioxidant status. The results show that SCG (up to 100 g/d) did not negatively affect milk production and health status in goats. However, quadratic effects on some antioxidant and biochemical parameters suggest that further investigations are necessary, especially with regard to the optimisation of the supplement dose.

The Effects of Nitrogen sources in the concentrates on N utilization and production performances of dairy goats

Studies in young goats showed that feeding different N supplements did not significantly affect growth rate, rumen digestion, or N metabolism. It is unclear whether this finding is also applicable to lactating dairy goats. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combinations of barley meal with soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or urea in high energy concentrate on nutrient digestion, milk-feed efficiency, milk production, and Nitrogen balance in dairy goats fed on barley hay as a basal diet. Four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous concentrate with different N sources were formulated and fed on lactating Saanen goats in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The results showed that lactating Saanen goats producing 1.3 to 1.5 litre of milk per day and fed on a concentrate containing 1.7 % N in a high energy diet capable to sustain similar milk protein and N balance as that given concentrate with 2.2 % dietary N. Total nutrient intakes, nutrient digestion, milk-feed efficiency and milk production lactating Saanen goats was not affected by the source of dietary N. The results indicate that including urea in a supplement can maintain a similar level of milk yield, milk protein and milk efficiency in goats as can the feeding of more expensive soybean and cottonseed meals provided there is sufficient readily available dietary energy.

The Empowerment of Livestock Farmers in Subclinical Mastitis Test with GAMA Anti-Haptoglobin in “Sahabat Ternak” Etawah Crossbreed Goat Farm

Sahabat Ternak is one of the Etawah crossbreed (PE) goat farm groups in Sleman. This farm group focuses on goat milk production and processed goods. Problems that commonly arise in dairy goat farms are the cases of subclinical mastitis, which are quite high. This disease may cause a decrease in milk production and quality. The mastitis subclinical detection method which is often used by the farming community is the somatic cell count (SCC) and California mastitis test (CMT). However, both tests have low accuracy. Recently, a new method named GAMA Anti-Haptoglobin, which is more accurate and can be done easily has been established by livestock farmers. This community service aims to empower livestock farmers in applying GAMA Anti-Haptoglobin as a sensitive, rapid, and accurate subclinical mastitis detection kit in Sahabat Ternak goat farm. The method used in this activity consisted of discussion, socialization, and training for livestock farmers, as well as laboratory testing, evaluation of test findings, and treatment for PE goats. After the training, the livestock farmers were able to apply GAMA Anti-Haptoglobin mastitis detection method effectively. The implementation of this easy and accurate field mastitis detection method, as well as personnel with reliable skills, will support in the decrease of mastitis cases and increase milk production and quality, as well as community welfare.

OPTIMIZATION OF QUALITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF DAILY GOAT BUSINESS GROUP IN BLIMBING VILLAGE, REJOTANGAN DISTRICT, TULUNGAGUNG REGENCY THROUGH TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

"Karya Putra Mandiri" Livestock Farmer Group and "Makmur Sentosa" Livestock Group, Kec. Rejotangan Kab. Tulungagung is a foster partner of the Unair FKH Community Service Team. A common problem for breeders and administrators of the "Karya Putra Mandiri" Livestock Farmer Group and "Makmur Sentosa" Livestock Group, Kec. Rejotangan Kab. Tulungagung is a problem in production, among others are reproductive disorders, low pregnancy rates, low productivity in their dairy goats. The solution offered is to increase the skills and knowledge of dairy goat farmers in the "Karya Putra Mandiri" and "Makmur Sentosa" livestock groups on how to handle reproductive cases through synchronization of lust. Another problem is the "Karya Putra Mandiri" Livestock Farmer Group and the "Makmur Sentosa" Livestock Group, Kec. Rejotangan Kab. Tulungagung is a management problem. The solution offered is to increase the knowledge and assistance of dairy goat farmers in the “Karya Putra Mandiri” and “Makmur Sentosa” livestock groups in dairy goat milk processing, packaging and product licensing. The method used in the implementation of this community service activity is by; (1) Development and training stage; (2) Monitoring and evaluation stage. To evaluate the level of knowledge and understanding of the material given, pretest and posttest are given. This Community Service program activity was carried out from March to October 2018. Extension activities and training on Laserpuncture and Sexual Synchronization Technology were carried out using the tutorial method, then continued with discussions. The implementation of this Community Service Activity requires a budget of 30 million rupiah which is planned to be used in several posts including for equipment, consumables, travel, accommodation, and others.

PRODUCCIÓN Y PERFIL DE ÁCIDOS GRASOS DE LA LECHE DE CABRAS ALIMENTADAS CON ENSILADO DE CANOLA (Brassica napus) EN SUSTITUCIÓN DE ENSILADO DE MAÍZ (Zea mays) EN RACIONES TOTALMENTE MEZCLADAS

<p><strong>Background</strong>. Canola silage (EC) is a viable alternative to replace corn silage (EM) in ruminants feed, due to its nutritional value and source of polyunsaturated fatty acids to improve the quality milk fat. <strong>Objective</strong>. To evaluate the inclusion of EC as substitute for of EM in total mixed rations (TMR) on milk production, composition and fatty acids profile of goats at the end lactation. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Ten Alpine goats (49 ± 2.5 kg LW, 194 ± 18 days in lactation) were fed with completely mixed diets containing 25% EC plus 25% EM (experimental diet) and 50% EM (control diet). <strong>Results</strong>. Milk production in goats fed with EC was 33.46% higher (<em>P<</em>0.05) than in goats eating only ME as forage. The content of rumenic and vaccenic acids in milk increased (<em>P</em><0.05) 60 and 57%, respectively, with the inclusion of EC in the diet. There were not differences (<em>P</em>>0.05) in milk fat, protein and lactose content, nor in dry matter intake between treatments. <strong>Implications</strong>. EC as an alternative forage in combination with EM, it is a viable feeding strategy for small ruminants. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The use of EC represents a feeding strategy to improve the fatty acid profile of milk without effecting the chemical composition of milk and the productive response of goats at the end of lactation.</p>

Samsun İlinde Hayvansal Üretimin 2010-2020 Yılları Arasındaki Değişimi

Samsun is the most important province of the Black Sea Region by the socio-economic structure. In this study, how animal production changed between 2010 and 2020 in the province and the needed suggestions for the later period were revealed. In the assesment period of the study, an important increment occurred in the number of large and small animals except for equidae including horse, donkey and mule. Similarly, a high elevation of milk production in bovine, ovine, and goat has been observed in the province. While the floating structure in the number of poultry and honey production of the province has been noticed within the last decade, it may be declared that the animal production level of Samsun is generally better than the neighboring provinces. In conclusion, applying the revealed suggestions on improving the current situation will provide to gain for elevating the production of the province and region to the higher level.

Hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera Fermented Feed Can Play a Role Through Flavonoid Extracts to Increase Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Synthesis in Dairy Goats.

In order to explore the effect of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera fermented feed on milk production and milk quality of dairy goats, and to compare with alfalfa hay, three dairy goat diets were designed based on the principle of equal energy and equal protein. The goats in the control group were fed a basic TMR diet (CG group), and the other two groups were supplemented with 10% alfalfa hay (AH group) and 10% hybrid B. papyrifera fermented feed (BP group). The results showed that the dry matter intake and milk production of BP group increased significantly. The total amount of amino acids and the content of each amino acid in the milk of AH group and BP group were lower than those of CG group. The content of saturated fatty acids in the milk of BP group decreased while the content of unsaturated fatty acids increased. The contents of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone in BP goat serum were generally higher than those of AH goat and CG goat. Subsequently, this study separated and cultured mammary epithelial cells from breast tissue, and added flavone extracted from the leaves of hybrid B. papyrifera and alfalfa to their culture medium for comparison, which is one of their important bioactive components. The results showed that low-dose alfalfa flavone (AH) and hybrid B. papyrifera flavone (BP) can increase cell viability. They also can increase the accumulation of intracellular triglyceride and the formation of lipid droplets. Both AH flavone and BP flavone significantly up-regulated the expression of genes related to milk fat synthesis, including genes related to fatty acid de novo synthesis (ACACA, FASN, and SCD1), long-chain fatty acid activation and transport related genes (ACSL1), and genes related to transcription regulation (SREBP1). The three genes related to triglyceride synthesis (DGAT1, DGAT2, and GPAM) were all significantly increased by BP flavone. Both AH flavone and BP flavone significantly increased the protein expression of progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor in mammary epithelial cells but had no effect on prolactin receptor.

Detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA in sheep and goat milk and dairy products by droplet digital PCR in south Italy

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that is responsible for Q fever, a common zoonosis which is present virtually worldwide. This microorganism infects a wide range of wild and domestic mammals, but the main reservoirs are cattle, goats and sheep, which also represent sources of human infection. A potential route of transmission of this pathogen to humans is the consumption of C. burnetii-contaminated raw milk or dairy products derived from contaminated raw milk, although the role of these foods as possible infection sources is controversial. The aims of this study were (i) to apply two ddPCR based assays targeting the C. burnetii IS1111 and icd genes for the detection and quantification of C. burnetii DNA, and (ii) to evaluate the occurrence of C. burnetii DNA in raw milk and raw milk products from sheep and goats in Apulia and Basilicata regions of Southern Italy.Of 413 milk and cheese samples tested, 78 were positive for the presence of C. burnetii DNA (18.9%), specifically, 68 of 285 milk samples (23.9%) and 10 of 128 cheese samples (7.8%) The presence of both IS1111 and icd genes was detected in only 2 (2.6%) of the 78 positive samples, while the remaining 76 (97.4%) were positive only for IS1111. C. burnetii DNA was specifically detected by the ddPCR method, whereas no cross-amplification was observed with the DNA of other foodborne bacterial pathogens. The sensitivity of the ddPCR method was determined as 0.35 and 0.56 copies/μL for IS1111 and icd genes, respectively.The findings of this study demonstrate the presence of C. burnetii DNA in a significant proportion of raw milk and dairy products. Although there is no conclusive epidemiological evidence that C. burnetii infection occurs via food, the presence of this organism in raw milk and dairy products made of raw milk should be considered a potential hazard. ddPCR is a useful tool to investigate the quality and safety of food products due to its sensitivity and precision, and could be applied to routine testing.

Milk performance and oxidative status responses to rumen protected methionine supplementation in genotyped α-S1 casein lactating dairy goats fed two levels of metabolizable protein diets

In dairy goats, responses to rumen-protected Methionine (RPM) supplementation on milk performance and milk protein synthesis were inconsistent. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental RPM in diets differing in CP content on milk performance, milk composition, plasma concentration of amino-acids (AA) and parameters of oxidative status in goats genotyped for their genetic variant for alpha-S1 casein (CNS1). Sixteen goats (Body weight = 66.6 ± 8.5 kg, days in milk = 89 ± 5) were grouped into 2 blocks (High vs Low) according to their secretion of CNS1 in milk, and within each CNS1 block, goats were selected to make blocks comparable for milk yield, milk protein content, body weight and days in milk. Goats within CNS1 blocks were allotted to 2 periods cross-over (4 wks for each period with one washout week) nested in 2 × 2 factorial design with dietary CP (LP vs HP, 14 vs 16 % CP in TMR fed ad libitum) and RPM supplementation (CTL vs RPM, 0 vs 4 g/d). Dry matter intake and milk yield were individually recorded daily, whereas milk samples for milk composition determination, and blood samples were obtained individually twice weekly, and once weekly, respectively. Blood was sampled for glucose, NEFA, BHB, urea, insulin, total or oxidized glutathion, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl. At the end of each period, blood was sampled during two consecutive wks to determine plasma AA profile. Goats fed HP diet had higher CP, PDIE, and LysDi (lysine digestible in intestine) intake than those fed LP diet, whereas goats supplemented with RPM had higher MetDi (methionine digestible in intestine) intake (P < 0.001) than those fed the CTL diet. Goats fed HP diet had similar milk performance, milk composition and yields, and similar feed, energy and PDI efficiencies, but higher milk urea concentration than those fed LP diet. Goats supplemented with RPM had higher milk yield only when fed the LP diet (RPM x dietary CP: P < 0.02). Compared to goats fed CTL diet, those supplemented with RPM had higher milk protein content, but this was observed only in those fed HP diet (RPM x dietary CP: P < 0.008), especially for Low CNS1 goats (RPM x CNS1: P < 0.05; RPM x dietary CP x CNS1: P < 0.11). Efficiencies of PDI, feed and energy were not altered by RPM supplementation, but CNS1 x dietary CP x RPM interaction was significant for these efficiencies. Goats supplemented with RPM tended to have higher plasma MDA (P < 0.07) and total glutathione concentrations (P < 0.09). In conclusion, increasing dietary CP failed to improve DMI, milk performance, milk protein content and protein yield, which suggest that Net Energy for lactation was a limiting factor of our experimental diets. With RPM supplementation, increase in milk production in the low CP group, and increase in milk protein content in the high CP group suggests that changes in metabolic partition of nutrients between milk secretion vs milk protein synthesis occurs according to the level of limitation of methionine in diet, which may affect the methionine requirement for goat milk production.

Inclusion of Barley Fodder in Alfalfa/Grass-Based Diets on Milk Production in Goats and Milking Sheep

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Barley Sprout Fodder (BSF) on milk production and milk composition of Saanen goats and Friesian ewes. Twenty Saanen does (1-year-old) and twenty East Friesian ewes (1 to 5 years old), were selected for this experiment, where each species was divided into four treatment groups. Goat treatments consisted of 0 (CRTL), 758 (BSF1), 1498 (BSF2) and 2270 (BSF3) g wet BSF/d added to an alfalfa/grass hay mix provided in random order. Sheep treatments were similar, but 0, 454, 908, and 1362 g wet BSF/d. The dry matter content of the fodder was 10.7%. A grain mix was fed to the goats (798 DM g/d) and sheep (400 DM g/d) during morning and evening milking. Treatment periods were fifteen days. Feed consumed was measured and milk yield and samples were collected on days 13 and 14. Milk samples were analyzed for milk fat, protein, and lactose. The cheese was made from day 14 milk and milk and cheese were analyzed for fatty acid composition. Total DM intake was between 2.7 and 2.9 kg/d for does and was different (P<0.05) between BSF treatments, 2.6 to 3.0 kg/d for ewes. Milk yield was not affected by BSF treatment. Goat milk yield averaged 2681 g/d across the treatments, while sheep was 1021 g/d. Milk fat content increased numerically from 77 to 82 g/d for goats and 50 to 58 g/d for sheep. BSF did not affect goat milk protein g/d, but sheep milk protein increased from 46 to 53 g/d. Goat milk lactose was not changed with BSF inclusion, while sheep milk lactose increased from 47 to 54 g/d. Total solids were not different from BSF in the diet for goats but was for sheep increasing from 143 to 164 g/d. There were no differences in cheese fatty acid composition for either species. The CRTL diet cost $0.82/day for goats and $0.72/d for sheep, while the high level of BSF inclusion cost $1.06/d for goats and $0.91/d for sheep. Based on the parameters of this study, the inclusion of BSF had relatively no effect on goat milk parameters but did improve milk solids in sheep milk, with no increase in milk yield.