Influence of Feeding on Goat Milk Composition and Technological Characteristics

Abstract

Summary An improvement of the energy density of the ration due to concentrate supply reduces the fat content and increases protein content of goat milk but the effect of concentrate supply has little effect on milk composition when it comprises one third or less of total dry matter intake. The type of carbohydrates in the ration seems to have only an indirect effect on the composition of the goat milk, through its impact on energy intake. Generally fats added to rations result in an increased lipid secretion. Generally, the negative effect on protein content can be explained by an effect of dilution. Frequently protein supplies and the type of protein sources have a very limited effect on milk composition. To produce goat milk with high fat and protein contents, the diet must be well balanced, in termes of starch, lipids and rumen degradable and undegradable protein.