SIGNIFICANCE OF PARITY, YEAR-SEASON AND PROLIFICACY IN INFLUENCING GOAT MILK
PRODUCTION TRAITS

SIGNIFICANCE OF PARITY, YEAR-SEASON AND PROLIFICACY IN INFLUENCING GOAT MILK
PRODUCTION TRAITS

N. ASSAN

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.

Agricultural Advances

2015