Milk yield and Milk Composition of West Africa Dwarf Does as influenced by Body weight and Body Temperature
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the effect of bodyweight and body temperature on milk yield and milk
composition of West Africa Dwarf (WAD) does. A total number of sixteen lactating WAD does of different body
weight were selected for the experiment. The bodyweight and body temperature of the does were taken before
every milking period which lasted up to 8 weeks. Milk sample from each doe was subjected to milk composition
analysis using milk analyzer. The bodyweight of the does and its corresponding milk yield were grouped into four
classes (12 -15 kg, 15.1 -18 kg, 18.1-21 kg, 21.1-24 kg) while the body temperature and its corresponding milk
yield and properties were portioned into three ranges (low: 36.10 – 37.00 oC; medium: 37.10 – 38.00 oC; high:
38.10 – 39.00 oC). The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance of completely randomized
design. The results revealed that bodyweight significantly (P<0.05) affects milk yield but not milk composition
while body temperature range of 38.10-39.00 oC influences higher milk yield (580.60 ml) It is therefore concluded
that WAD does has a relatively stable milk composition irrespective of body temperature or bodyweight while the
does of higher body weight produce more milk. It is therefore recommended that body temperature and bodyweight
should be among the considerable criteria when selecting WAD goats for dairy purpose.