Effect of milking frequency and lactation length on yield and milk composition in goats

Abstract

The level of  individual milk output per  dam is a crucial element  in the economic survival of  any dairy enterprise. A profitable goat dairy enterprise should aim at maximazation  of  milk output  per  dam  or optimizing the overall  milk output from the flock. The present discussion explores the potential use  of milking frequency as a management tool  available for goat dairy farmers in manipulation of  milk yield per dam and its implication for  mammary functioning and its influence in enhancing metabolic activities in milk secrection. The influence of lactation length on yield and milk composition is   also discussed. Lactation length and milking frequency are some of factors which have been implicated in influencing yield and milk composition. Different milking frequencies in different management systems have been studied  with different results observed in their influences on yield and milk composition. There are different  adaptive responses of the mammary gland of  different animal species  to extended milking frequencies and lactation length in different systems of management.  The lactation length records can facilitate the allocation of resources such as feed supplies both for individual doe and the flock. From the discussion  milking frequency and lactation length account for some of the variation in milk yield and composition, therefore adjustment of dairy records for lactation length is essential for accurate  selection of dairy animals in a flock. The feature of once daily milking is that it reduces milk yield, depending on stage of lactation, breed and parity. However, with the labour costs being recognized as one of the highest contributors to a dairy enterprise daily expenses, it is suffice to suggest that the cost implications related to once daily milking  can not be ignored. In goats milked twice daily, but increasing milking frequency to three times a day or even more often increases goat milk yield.