Chemical composition, physical traits and fatty acid profile of goat milk as related to the stage of lactation

Abstract

., concentrate according to their milk yield, with mineral and vitamin premix, chalk and NaCl. From June to September hay was substituted by fresh grass. The diets were balanced according to INRA feeding standards. Milk samples were taken from each goat on lactation day 60, 120 and 200 (lactation stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively). With the progress of lactation highly favourable changes took place in the most desirable monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids content of a total of fatty acids. The coefficients of the calculated Pearson’s correlation showed that the concentration of MUFA and PUFA (including conjugated linoleic acid – CLA) which are most desirable from the nutritive point of view, is negatively correlated with the daily milk yield. KEY WORDS: fatty acids /goats / milk / lactation