Authors : Roger G. Pambu, E.C. Webb and L. Mohale
Abstract: This study investigated milk yield and composition of four different breeds of goat (Indigenous, British alpine, Toggenburg and Saanen) in South Africa. The experiment was a one way (feeding system) analysis of variance in complete random design where eight replicates were randomly selected from each group. As from kidding up to 8 weeks onwards, a weekly single hand-milking collection was performed on each goat; milk yield and body condition score were recorded while milk samples were analyzed on milk fat percentage, milk lactose and milk proteins concentrations. Data were tested for normal distribution and homogeneous treatment variances. Results showed that milk yield from dairy goats were unsurprisingly higher than that of the indigenous goats during the entire period of study. Milk lactose values (3.9-4.9%) confirmed milk lactose as the most stable constituent of the goat’s milk. Milk protein concentration (3.1-4.5%) was significantly higher in the indigenous goats than in dairy breeds, especially on week 1 and from week 4 onwards. Milk fat percentage (3.3-7.7%) values displayed a decline in all goats but from week 3 they showed an increase in indigenous goats and from week 5 onwards, they were significantly higher in indigenous goats than in dairy breeds. The superiority of dairy breeds in milk yield was once more time proved while the indigenous goat merit in milk quality was recognized.
Roger G. Pambu, E.C. Webb and L. Mohale, 2011. Differences in Milk Yield and Composition of Different Goat Breeds Raised in the Same Environment in South Africa. Agricultural Journal, 6: 237-242.