A comprehensive analysis of lactation traits in the Arbia goat breed (Capra hircus) from Algeria

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the milk performance of Arbia does, the predominant goat breed in Algeria. A total of 389 quantitative and qualitative milk control records were collected from sixty-six dairy Arbia does monitored throughout their complete lactation period. The animals, managed under similar livestock practices, were located in two different agroecological regions: arid (Ar) and semiarid (SAr). The average lactation length (DIM) and interval between kidding (IKI) were 195.82 ±60.42 and 250.55 ±69.55 days, respectively, with milk production peaking at 89.22 ±10.76 days postkidding. The study recorded an average Total Milk Yield (TMY) of 207.18 ±76.86 kg, Daily Milk Yield (DMY) of 1.05 ±0.2 kg, and Persistency Coefficient (PC) of 72.91 ±4.13 %. The average Total Fat Yield (TFY), Total Protein Yield (TPY), Milk Fat Rate (MFR), and Milk Protein Rate (MPR) were 219.72 ±95.05 g, 745.28 ±88.68 g, 1.94 ±1.13 %, and 4.11 ±1.67%, respectively. Does from SAr produced more TFY and comparable TPY compared to those from Ar, despite having lower TMY and shorter DIM, reflecting significantly higher MFR and MPR in SAr. While lactation length showed potential influence on TMY (P = 0.07) and significant effects on TPY (P < 0.05), other factors, such as age, lactation number, and animals' origin, did not significantly affect TMY. Analysis revealed one production profile in Ar and two distinct lactation production profiles in SAr, suggesting the need for tailored optimization strategies based on this diversity in milk production characteristics.