Production performance of Damascus goats as affected by stage of lactation at first kidding under Sudan conditions

Abstract

Production performance of Damascus goats as affected by stage of lactation at first kidding under Sudan conditions Nadia Mahmoud Awad Alla Mahmoud M. Sc. Dairy Production Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate colostrum composition, milk yield and milk composition of Damascus goats raised under Sudan condition. Thirteen Damascus goats at their first parity were studied for 9 months (March — November 2009). The lactation period was divided into three stages viz: early (2“d - 9"‘ weeks), mid (l0‘h ~ 17m weeks) and late (18“‘ - 35"‘ weeks). Colostrum was collated and examined during the first three days. Milk yield and milk composition were collected and estimated on weekly basis throughout the experimental period. Other estimated traits were age of dams at first mating and kidding, body weight of the dams at first kidding, lactation length, kid's birth, body weight of kids at 2"‘! and 3’d months. The flock was maintained on a concentrate mix plus adlibital access to roughages of alfalfa (Medicago sativa), groundnut haulms and fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) variety Abu Sabeen. All milk constituents (protein, protein fractions, total solids and ash) were significantly (P< 0.05) high in the first day of colostrum, and then decreased sharply in the second day, with the exception of fat content which was more stable. The mean B-lactoglobulin content of colostrum was significantly (P<0.05) high in day l (2.0lmg/lO00g) then decrease sharply in day 2 (0.446 mg/l000g). Milk yield revealed significantly (P<0.05) higher level in the early lactation stage (1.34 L), then it decreased gradually until the end of lactation (0.96 L). The milk composition (total protein 3.59 %, casein 2.87 %, whey protein 0.72 %, — albumin 0.19 mg1000g, [3-lactoglobulin 0.27 mg/lOO0g, total solids 13.49 % and solids not fat 9.1 1 %) were higher during the early stage of lactation. Then were decreased (P>0.05) during the mid lactation stage (total protein 3.27 %, casein 2.60 %, whey protein 0.65 %, albumin 0.15 mg/l000g, [3-lactoglobulin 0.24 mg/1000g, total solids 12.25 % and solids not fat 8.40 %), and increased gradually during the late stage of lactation. The fat, lactose and ash content showed non significant differences during the different stages of lactation, whereas, all chemical constituents showed significantly (P<0.05) higher levels in the colostrum than in milk samples and showed reduction with progress of lactation. in conclusion, Damascus goats can be raised in Sudan with acceptable production, and the different stages of lactation affected their milk yield and milk composition. Hence, it is recommended that research is needed conceming different parities, nutritional needs and general heath under Sudan conditions.

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