Lactation parameters
The Saanen, the Sable, the Nubian, the Toggenburg, the LaMancha, the Oberhasli, the Nigerian Dwarf, and the Alpine are the eight most common dairy goat breeds. Peak production occurs four to six weeks after kidding, and the typical lactation duration for dairy goats is 284 days. Goat dairy breeds’ average annual milk yields are shown in Table. The genetics of the goat are the primary determinant of milk production, but the goat’s nutrition has a significant impact as well.
At about four or five months of age, dairy goats become sexually mature. They should be bred when they reach a weight of 70 to 80 pounds, or between 7 and 10 months of age. The gestation duration spans from 145 to 155 days, with an average length of 149 days. typically has one to three offspring every year, with each child weighing between 6 and 6.5 pounds at birth. Multiple pregnancies are linked to lower birth weights and an increased risk of maternal and infant death.
The health of mother and child is affected by maternal diet quality. Twin births are wanted to increase productive efficiency, making proper pregnancy nutrition an essential aspect of effective management. When compared with a single delivery, doe units that give birth to twins had a higher milk yield and heavier offspring.
After birth, most goats gain weight at a rate of 50–150 grammes (0.1–0.33 pounds) per day; however, meat goat crosses may acquire more than 250 grammes (0.55 pounds) per day. Diet and the intended end result (such as replacement doeing or different weights depending on the meat market) will dictate the growth rate.
In order to maximise efficiency and output in a dairy goat business, the following are the top three management suggestions:
- Doe calves should be managed so that they are ready to reproduce by the time they are seven months old. As a result, there will be fewer non-productive animals in the herd at any one moment, and the total lifetime milk and meat output will rise.
- It should be refreshed as often as feasible. This ensures that your consumers have access to milk throughout the year.
- Reduce the population of poor breeders by culling them. This may boost herd production if animals are removed for genetic reasons.
| LACTATION PARAMETERS IN INDIAN GOATS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeds | Lactation yield (kg) | Lactation Length (days) | Av.Daily Yield kg. | Peak Yield kg. | Dry Period |
| Jamunapari | 160 | 190 | 0.900 | 3.20 | 115 |
| Beetal | 175 | 180 | 1.25 | – | 125 |
| Barbari | 95 | 152 | 0.75 | 2.100 | 155 |
| Sirohi | 73 | 158 | 0.700 | – | – |
| Malabari | 66 | 172 | 0.500 | 0.696 | 145 |
| Jhakrana | 121 | 114 | 0.988 | – | – |
| Note | + or – | + or – | + or – | + or – | + or – |
Goat milk’s smaller fat globules, which result in softer curd, make it easy to digest. Compared to milk from other cattle species, it also causes fewer allergic reactions. It has therapeutic properties. Milk storage is not an issue since goats may be milked as frequently as needed.
