Significance of parity, year-season and prolificacy in influencing goat milk production traits

Abstract

Milk production traits in goats are affected by different non genetic factors and the knowledge of these factors is essential for efficient management and for accurate estimation of breeding values. Adjusting for the known non genetic factors is necessary to increase efficiency  of animal selection in dairy goats. The discussion explores the significance of dam’s parity, year-season and prolificacy in influencing milk production traits in goats. Much valuable research already exists on the influence of non genetic factors in dairy cattle, however,  not much mention has been done pertaining to dairy goats. This is on the assumption that the spectrum of non genetic factors which affect milk production traits in goats are the same factors which influnce milk production traits in cattle. The understanding of different non genetic  factors   and their impacts is the first step in  improving goat milk production,  and prerequisite for defining appropriate management practices in the milk production process. Knowledge of non genetic factors is  important in matching goat milk production  to specific production system ensuring a sustainable level of milk  production.