|
|
Article: The Effect of Diets on Milk Production and Composition, and on Lactation Curves in Pastured Dairy Goats
- Article from:
- Journal of Dairy Science
- Article date:
- July 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright American Dairy Science Association Jul 2005. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
ABSTRACT
A 2-yr study investigated effects of different levels of concentrate supplementation on milk production, composition, and lactation curves in pastured dairy goats. For both years, 44 Alpine goats (Copra hircus; 55 ± 11 kg body weight) were randomly allocated to 4 groups. Animals were supplemented with 0.66 (treatments A and B), 0.33 (treatment C), or 0 kg of concentrate (treatment D) per kg of milk over 1.5 kg/d. Mixed vegetative forages were rotationally grazed by the goats (treatments B, C, and D), except that treatment A was confined and fed alfalfa hay. Individual milk production was recorded daily, and milk samples were collected once every 2 wk for the 7-mo period (March to ...