The milk yield and milk composition of the Greek indigenous goat (Capra prisca) as influenced by duration of suckling period

Abstract

ABSTRACTTwo groups, A and B, each consisting of 12 Greek indigenous goats suckling single kids were traditionally fed during a 36-week lactation period. During the suckling period (6 and 12 weeks for the groups A and B, respectively) milk production was estimated at 7-day intervals. During the milking period (30 and 24 weeks for the groups A and B, respectively) the goats were hand milked twice daily and their milk production was measured at intervals of 4 weeks. Milk samples were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, ash and dry matter concentration. Solids-not-fat and energy concentration were calculated. During lactation the goats were weighed weekly up to week 12 and monthly thereafter and body condition score was assessed at each weighing.Goats with a 6-week suckling period produced significantly less milk throughout lactation but significantly more marketable milk than those with a 12-week suckling period. Yield peaked at the 6th and 10th weeks of lactation respectively, then declined rapidly and tailed off gradually from weeks 7 and 16 respectively. Milk composition was affected only occasionally by the duration of the suckling period. Thus, fat concentration was higher for the group with the 6-week suckling period between weeks 7 and 16, whilst protein was higher between weeks 8 and 12. Lactose concentration was lower for the same group between weeks 7 and 11, whilst ash concentration was similar in both groups. Live weight and body condition of the goats throughout lactation showed similar changes in both treatment groups.