The influence of crossbreeding and LPL genotype on the yield, composition and quality of goat milk

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of crossbreeding and the LPL genotype on goat milk yield, composition and quality indicators. This research was carried out in a herd of pure-breed Saanen, Anglo-Nubian, and crossbred Saanen and Anglo-Nubian goats (n=137) in Lithuania. Saanen x Anglo-Nubian crossbred goats and Saanen had a significantly (P<0.05) higher (34.91% and 16.03 %, respectively) milk yield compared to Anglo-Nubian goats. The highest (P<0.05) fat and protein and the lowest (P<0.05) lactose percentages and somatic cell count were found in the milk of Anglo-Nubian goats, compared to Saanen x Anglo-Nubian crossbreds and Saanen goats. The highest (P<0.05) milk yield was determined in the CC genotype of the LPL gene (on average 20.08 % higher than in the CG and GG genotypes) of goats. However, the milk yield of the CC genotype was characterised (P<0.05) by the lowest fat, protein and milk urea levels, and the highest amount of lactose compared to the milk of the GG genotype. The study showed that breed and LPL genotype affected goat milk yield and composition and appear to be the valuable biomarkers of the goat selection process.