scholarly journals The comparison of the lactation and milk yield and composition of selected breeds of sheep and goats

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Ferro ◽  
L. O. Tedeschi ◽  
A. S. Atzori
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Random Coefficients ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Sheep Breeds ◽  
The World

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize the milk yield (MY) and milk composition of relevant sheep and goat breeds raised around the world to be used with nutrition models for diet formulation and nutrient balancing. A 2-step approach was used. First, a database developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization was used to identify relevant breeds (i.e., frequently raised) by comparing the occurrence of transboundary breed names across countries. We selected transboundary breeds that occurred more than 3 times and other relevant breeds obtained from the specialized literature that had milk production information (e.g., MY, days in milk, and milk fat, protein, and lactose). The majority of sheep breeds were classified as nondairy (76%) because they lacked milk production information. Karakul and Merino accounted for up to 2.4% of sheep breeds raised around the world, whereas the other individual breeds accounted for less than 1%. In contrast, nondairy breeds of goats accounted for 46.3% and of the remaining 53.7%, Saanen, Boer, Anglo-Nubian, Toggenburg, and Alpine accounted for 6.5, 5, 4.4, 4, and 3%, respectively, of the transboundary breeds. Second, a database compiled from published studies for the selected sheep (n = 65) and goats (n = 78) breeds were analyzed using a random coefficients model (studies and treatments within studies as random effects). For sheep breeds, the average and SD were 1.1 ± 0.3 kg/d for MY, 6.9 ± 1% for milk fat, 5.4 ± 0.4% for milk protein, 5 ± 0.3% for milk lactose, 17.7 ± 1.4% for milk total solids, and 1,073 ± 91 kcal/kg of milk energy. Lacaune had the greatest MY compared to Comisana and Tsigai (1.65 versus 0.83 and 0.62 kg/d; respectively, P < 0.05), but milk components were not different among breeds. For goats breeds, the average and SD across breeds were 1.7 ± 0.6 kg/d for MY, 4.2 ± 0.9% for milk fat, 3.3 ± 0.4% for milk protein, 4.4 ± 0.4% for milk lactose, 12.7 ± 1.1% for milk total solids, and 750 ± 75 kcal/kg of milk energy. Alpine had similar MY to Saanen (2.66 versus 2.55 kg/d, respectively; P > 0.05), but greater (P < 0.05) than other breeds. The Boer breed had the greatest milk fat, protein, lactose, and total solids than several other breeds, leading to the greatest milk energy content (907 kcal/kg). Because there are many factors that can alter MY and milk composition, averages provided in this study serve as guidelines, and nutritionists must obtain observed values when using nutrition models.

scholarly journals Effect of season, genotype and lactation on milk yield and composition of local and crossbred dairy cows reared under different feed base region

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 50-65
Author(s):  
MA Baset ◽  
KS Huque ◽  
NR Sarker ◽  
MM Hossain ◽  
MN Islam
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Base Region ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

A total of 160 cows, 10 cows in each of native (local cow) and crossbred (local × Holstein Friesian) origins differing in lactation were used in 2×2×2×2 factorial experiment using Randomized Block Design (RBD) to evaluate milk yield and composition of cows considering regions (good & poor feed base region), seasons (dry: Nov.–Feb. 2009 & wet: Jun.–Oct. 2009), genotypes and lactation. A “good and/or poor feed base” region was classified based on the availability of quantity and quality roughages throughout the year. The study revealed that the daily milk yield and 4% FCM of cows under good feed base condition were 6.76 and 6.49 kg, respectively and under poor feed base condition were 3.67 and 3.31 kg, respectively. Feed base region did not affect on milk fat and it was observed that the milk protein, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF), minerals and total solids under good feed base condition were 37.9, 54.9, 100.9, 6.3 and 140.6 g/kg, respectively, whereas, under poor feed base condition the values were 36.3, 52.9, 98.0, 6.1 and 135.2 g/kg, respectively. Season did not affect milk yield and composition except minerals (6.5 g/kg vs. 5.9 g/kg). Genotypes significantly (p?0.01) influenced daily milk yield, the milk protein and minerals. Lactation did not affect milk yield and the milk protein, but influenced the fat, lactose, SNF, minerals and total solids. The interaction of feed base regions and seasons significantly (p?0.01) influenced milk yield and the milk fat and SNF. The milk protein and lactose was influenced by the interaction of feed bases region, seasons and lactation. Milk yield negatively correlated with fat per cent. The percentage of fat significantly (p?0.01) correlated with protein, lactose, SNF, and minerals %. The percentage protein correlated with lactose, SNF and minerals. Lactose % significantly (p?0.01) correlated with SNF%. It may be concluded that milk yield and composition depends on feed base region, genotype and lactation of cows. Season did not influence milk yield and the composition. Milk yield negatively correlated with the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, SNF and milk composition strongly correlated with each other.Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 50-65, Jan-Dec 2012

scholarly journals The effects of incomplete milking and increased milking frequency on milk production rate and milk composition1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 2424-2432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan M Kuehnl ◽  
Meghan K Connelly ◽  
Alen Dzidic ◽  
Megan Lauber ◽  
Hannah P Fricke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Rate ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Milking Frequency ◽  
Production Effects ◽  
Plot Design

Abstract Increased milking frequency and incomplete milking have differential effects on milk yield and mammary gland physiology that are important for optimization of milking practices in dairy herds. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of increased milking frequency and incomplete milking on milk production rate (MPR) and milk composition and to determine if milking 3 times daily (3×) could rescue the negative production effects of incomplete milking. Twenty-two multiparous cows were enrolled onto this experiment beginning at 5 days in milk (DIM) and continuing through 47 DIM. A split-plot design was used to randomize the 2 treatments, which were milking frequency and incomplete milking. Eleven cows were randomly assigned to be milked 2 times (2×) daily and 11 cows were randomly assigned to be milked 3×. Within each cow, a contralateral half-udder was randomly assigned to be incompletely milked (30% milk remaining in the gland; IM), and the other half-udder was randomly assigned to be milked completely (CM). Quarter-level milk yields were recorded at each milking session. Milk samples from all quarters were collected twice weekly at the beginning of the morning milking for analysis. Cows milked 2× tended to have reduced MPR compared with 3× milked cows (1.81 ± 0.06 vs. 1.97 ± 0.06 kg milk/h; P = 0.06). Half-udders that were CM and IM produced 1.09 ± 0.03 and 0.80 ± 0.03 kg milk/h, respectively. There was an interaction between incomplete milking treatment and week of lactation (P = 0.04). No interaction was detected between milking frequency and incomplete milking for MPR or milk components. Cows milked 3× had increased milk fat percent (1.93 ± 0.09% vs. 1.65 ± 0.09%, P = 0.047), decreased milk lactose percent (4.80 ± 0.04% vs. 4.93 ± 0.04%, P = 0.04), and exhibited no differences in milk protein percent or milk somatic cell count (SCC) compared with cows milked 2×. Half-udders that were IM had increased milk fat percent (2.15 ± 0.07% vs. 1.43 ± 0.07%, P < 0.0001), decreased lactose percent (4.75 ± 0.03% vs. 4.99 ± 0.03%, P < 0.0001), increased milk log10SCC (4.22 ± 0.05 vs. 4.41 ± 0.05, P = 0.0004), and no differences in milk protein percent compared with CM half-udders. These results indicate that a 3× milking frequency in IM half-udders was not able to improve milk production compared with IM half-udders milked 2×. Our results indicate that 30% milk remaining in the gland had an irreversible impact on milk yield as increased milking frequency was not able to reverse the milk yield lost.

The effect of varying ratios of roughage to concentrates on composition and yield of cow's milk

1971 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gordin ◽  
R. Volcani ◽  
Yehudith Birk
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Protein Percentage ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Friesian Cows

SummaryTWO levels of roughage, 3 FU (feed units) and 5 FU daily, were fed to Israeli?–Friesian cows and heifers receiving either a normal (Normal) or a high-energy (High) diet.Milk yield and composition were examined for 12 weeks following parturition. The animals receiving 5 FU of roughage daily showed a higher milk yield during the first 8 weeks. With the Normal diet the amount of roughage had no effect on milk composition. With the High diet, milk yield was higher than with the Normal, and a depression in fat percentage was observed in the milk of cows and heifers receiving 3 FU daily. No corresponding fall in milk protein percentage was observed – the cows of this group (High-3 FU roughage) showing, in fact, a rise in protein percentage. No differences in milk total solids were found. With these high-energy low-roughage diets no correlation was apparent between milk fat and protein percentages.

scholarly journals The chemical composition and technological properties of milk obtained from the morning and evening milking

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 187-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Skýpala ◽  
Gustav Chládek
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Protein Production ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Milk Protein Content ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Morning Milk

Milk yield varies during lactation, following what is termed a lactation curve. ŽIŽLAVSKÝ and MIKŠÍK (1988) recorded changes in milk yield within a day, too. TEPLÝ et al. (1979) a KOUŘIMSKÁ et al. (2007) published variation within a day ± 1.10 kg in milk yield, ± 0.75 % in milk fat content and ± 0.20 % in milk protein content. Milk yield of cows can be expressed in many different ways, for instance, in kilograms per lactation or in kilograms per day. A practical parameter describing milk production is milk yield (kg) per milking.The object of experiment were 12 cows of Holstein cattle on the first lactation from the 100-day of lactation to 200-day of lactation. The samples of milk were collected from January to May 2007, once a month from the morning and evening milking (milking interval 12 h ± 15 min.). The following parameters were monitored: milk production – milk yield (kg), milk protein production (kg), milk fat production (kg); milk composition – milk protein content (%), milk fat content (%), lactose content (%), milk solids-not-fat content (%), milk total solids content (%); technological properties of milk – ti­tra­tab­le acidity (SH), active acidity (pH), rennet coagulation time (s), quality of curd (class) and somatic cell count as a parameter of udder health.Highly significant differences were found (P < 0.01) between morning milk yield (15.7 kg) and evening milk yield (13.8 kg), between morning milk protein production (0.51 kg) and evening milk protein production (0.45 kg) and between evening milk fat content (4.41 %) and morning milk fat content (3.95 %). A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between morning milk total solids content (12.62 %) and evening milk total solids content (12.07 %). No significant differences were found between morning (M) and evening (E) values of the remaining parameters: milk fat production (M 0.62 kg; E 0.60 kg), milk protein content (M 3.24 %; E 3.27 %), milk lactose content (M 4.78 %; E 4.86 %), milk solids-not-fat content (M 7.69 %; E 7.71 %), somatic cell count (M 80 000/1 mL; E 101 000/1 mL), titratable aci­di­ty (M 7.75 SH; E 7.64 SH), active acidity (M pH 6.58; E pH 6.61), rennet coagulation time (M 189 s.; E 191 s.), quality of curd (M 1.60 class; E 1.57 class).

The effects of feeding different starch sources and concentrations on milk production of high yielding Holstein cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 192-192
Author(s):  
R.E. Lawson ◽  
A.R. Moss ◽  
C. Rymer ◽  
J.S. Blake
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Starch Concentration ◽  
Maize Grain ◽  
Ground Wheat

Mansbridge (1995) reported that replacing ground wheat with a mix of ground wheat and maize grain increased milk protein concentration, which led the authors to speculate that increased inclusion of maize grain increased rumen by-pass starch. Indeed, de Visseret al(1990) reported that feeding less rapidly degradable starches has led to increased milk protein concentration.The objective of this study was to examine the effects of starch concentration and source on feed intake, milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows.

Milk yield and milk composition from grazing primiparous non-dairy crossbred ewes

2006 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 377 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Morgan ◽  
N. M. Fogarty ◽  
S. Nielsen ◽  
A. R. Gilmour
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Sire Breed ◽  
Daily Milk

Milk production and milk composition were studied in 520 primiparous Merino crossbred ewes that were the progeny of 30 sires from several maternal crossing breeds including Border Leicester, Coopworth, Finnsheep and East Friesian. The ewes were born in 3 years (1997, 1998, and 1999), with 3 sires used in every year to provide genetic links. The crossbred ewe lambs were randomly assigned to autumn or spring joining groups and mated to Poll Dorset rams to lamb at 12 or 19 months of age. Ewes were milked on 3 days during their first lactation at approximately 3, 4, and 12 weeks after lambing. On each milking day, each ewe was initially injected with oxytocin, milked out by machine, and then hand-stripped. This procedure was repeated approximately 4 h later, with the milk weight and time recorded to extrapolate to daily milk yield, and composition of the milk was determined. Daily milk yield was analysed using REML mixed models procedures and 3 measures of milk production were predicted: peak milk yield at 21 days of lactation, total milk yield from 21 to 90 days of lactation, and length of lactation (days for daily yield to decline to 600 g/day). Milk composition traits (%fat, %protein, %lactose) and proportion of machine milk yield were analysed with similar models. Sire breed, number of lambs born and suckled, season, and ewe weight gain from mid-pregnancy until lamb weaning were all significant (P < 0.01) for daily yield, which declined from 2.1 kg/day at 21 days to 0.7 kg/day at 90 days of lactation. The Finnsheep-cross ewes had lower peak milk yield (1.84 ± 0.08 v. 2.09–2.19 ± 0.1 kg/day) and lower total yield of lactation (21–90 days) than all the other breed-cross ewes (78 ± 3 v. 92–107 ± 5 kg). The East Friesian-cross ewes had significantly longer lactations (128.8 ± 10.9 days) than the Border Leicester (98.1 ± 4.4 days) and Coopworth (93.7 ± 4.2 days), with the Finnsheep-cross ewes the shortest (80.1 ± 3.1 days). The East Friesian-cross ewes had the greatest and the Finnsheep-cross ewes the least total yield of lactation (107 ± 5 and 78 ± 3 kg, respectively). There were significant differences in peak milk yield for ewes bearing and suckling single lambs, twin-born and single-raised lambs, and twin-born and raised lambs (1.86 ± 0.04, 2.03 ± 0.09, and 2.37 ± 0.07 kg/day, respectively). There was a significant decline in daily milk yield with increasing ewe weight gain from mid-pregnancy to lamb weaning (–18.1 ± 4.2 g/kg). All the components of milk composition changed from the peak of milk production at 3 weeks to the end of lactation. The East Friesian-cross ewes had significantly lower milk %fat (by approx. 1 percentage point) at both 21 days and 90 days of lactation than ewes by all other sire breeds. The 30 sire progeny mean deviations for daily milk yield ranged from –292 to +276 g/day, with considerable ranges between sires within the sire breeds. The implications for lamb production and breeding programs are discussed.

scholarly journals Influence of Body Condition Score on Milk Production Parameters of Murrah Buffaloes

2020 ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Anitha Alapati ◽  
Sarjan Rao Kapa ◽  
Suresh Jeepalyam
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Production Parameters ◽  
Murrah Buffaloes ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Condition Score

The postpartum changes in Body Condition Score (BCS) studied from calving to four months of lactation in 40 Murrah buffaloes showed that BCS decreased from calving to two months of lactation and then gradually increased. Significant (P < 0.05) inverse relationship (r = -0.96) was observed between BCS and milk yield. The effect of BCS at calving (BCSc) on the milk production parameters were studied in 40 Murrah buffaloes divided into 4 groups of 10 buffaloes each based on BCSc (G1 – 2.5 to 2.99, G2- 3.0 to 3.49, G3- 3.5to 3.99 and G4- 4.0 to4.49). The total milk production (kg) upto 4 months of lactation, peak milk yield (kg), persistence, milk fat per cent, milk protein per cent and SNF per cent were 1030.93, 9.50, 1.65, 6.44, 3.39 and 8.99, respectively for G1 group, 1197.12, 11.60, 1.69, 7.54, 3.74 and 9.34 respectively for G2 group, 1658.67,16.50,1.77,8.62, 4.24 and 9.84, respectively for G3 and 1359.92, 13.75, 1.68, 9.37, 3.97 and 9.57, respectively for G4 group. Buffaloes of G3 group had significantly (p<0.01) more milk yield, peak milk yield, milk protein and SNF compared to the other groups where as buffaloes of G4 group had significantly (P<0.01) more milk fat.

scholarly journals Milk production in Finnsheep and Romanov breeds

1988 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 603-607
Author(s):  
W. J. Boylan ◽  
H. Sakul
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Composition Data ◽  
Mating Design ◽  
Sheep Breeds ◽  
A Value ◽  
Diallel Mating Design

The Finn, Romanov and several U.S. sheep breeds were machine milked to obtain information on several measures of milk production and milk composition. Data were obtained over at wo year to four year period utilizing 146 purebred ewe records and 165 crossbred ewe records. The level of milk production for a 130 day lactation period for the breeds evaluated was generally low compared to traditional European dairy breeds. The least-squares overall mean for milk yield was 68.8 liters. The Suffolk (80.5 liters) and the Rambouillet (75.3 liters) were superior. The Targhee, Dorset and Lincoln breeds followed in order for milk yield. The Finn (64.0 liters) and Romanov (39.1 liters) were lowest. Finn sired crossbred ewes had the highest level of milk production (84.4 liters) in a four breed diallel mating design of Finn, Dorset, Lincoln and Rambouillet breeds. A value of 15.4 % was found for heterosis in milk production.

Молочная продуктивность коров австралийской селекции разной линейной принадлежности

2019 ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.F. GORLOV ◽  
E.YU. ZLOBINA ◽  
A.A. KAIDULINA ◽  
T.N. BARMINA ◽  
S.A. SURKOVA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Volgograd Region ◽  
Ideal Line ◽  
Calcium And Phosphorus ◽  
Selection Of

Приведены результаты исследований молочной продуктивности и качественных показателей молока коров голштинской породы австралийской селекции 3 линий в условиях Волгоградской области. Установлено, что наиболее высокий удой молока по 1й лактации был у коров линии Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998 7262,0 кг. В сравнении со сверстницами линий Вис Бэк Айдиала 1013415 и Монтвик Чифтейна 95679 он был выше, соответственно, на 84,3 и 351,1 кг. Лучший показатель содержания жира установлен в молоке коров линии Монтвик Чифтейна 95679 3,90. Валовой выход жира был больше у коров линии Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998 в сравнении со сверстницами линий Вис Бэк Айдиала 1013415 и Монтвик Чифтейна 95679 на 4,15 и 11,42 кг. Они же отличались и наибольшим выходом молочного белка.По наивысшей лактации бльшим удоем отличались коровы линии Вис Бэк Айдиала 1013415 7689,65 кг, которые превосходили по данному показателю сверстниц линии Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998 и Монтвик Чифтейна 95679, соответственно, на 134,5 и 252,17 кг. От них молочного жира было получено больше в сравнении со сверстницами линий Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998 и Монтвик Чифтейна 95679, соответственно, на 4,42 и 9,65 кг, массовая доля белка в молоке коров этой линии была выше, соответственно, на 4,12 и 7,42 кг. Казеина содержалось больше в молоке коров линии Вис Бэк Айдиала 1013415 по сравнению со сверстницами линий Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998 и Монтвик Чифтейна 95679 на 0,02 и 0,05, продолжительность сычужной свертываемости молока у них была короче, соответственно, на 1,40 и 1,15 мин. Содержание кальция и фосфора в молоке анализируемых линий находилось в пределах физиологической нормы. Целесообразно и перспективно более широкое использование животных линий Вис Бэк Айдиала 1013415 и Рефлекшн Соверинга 198998.The article presents the results of studies of milk production and quality indicators of milk of cows of the Australian selection of Holstein cattle of three lines in the conditions of the Volgograd region. It was established that the highest milk yield in the first lactation was in cows of the Reflection Sovering line 198,998 7,262.0 kg. In comparison with the peers of the lines of Vis Back Ideal 1013415 and Montwick Chieftain 95679, it was higher by 84.3 and 351.1 kg, respectively. The best indicator of fat content is set in the milk of cows of the Montwick Chieftain line 95679 3.90. The gross yield of fat was greater for cows in the Reflection Line of Sovering 198998 compared with the peers of the lines of Vis Back Ideal 1013415 and Montwick Chieftain 95679 by 4.15 and 11.42 kg. They also differed in the highest yield of milk protein. In terms of the highest lactation, the cows of the Vis Back Ideal line 1013415 7689.65 kg differed in terms of high milk yield, which surpassed in this indicator the contemporaries of the Reflection Sovering line 198998 and Montwick Chieftain 95679, respectively, by 134.5 and 252.17 kg. Milk fat was obtained from them in comparison with the peers of the Reflection Sovering lines 198998 and Montwick Chieftain 95679 by 4.42 and 9.65 kg, respectively, the mass fraction of protein in the milk of cows of this line was higher respectively by 4.12 and 7.42 kg. There was more casein in milk of cows of the Vis Back Ideal line 1013415 compared to the peers of Reflection Sovering 198998 and Montwick Chieftain 95679 peers by 0.02 and 0.05, the duration of rennet coagulability of milk was shorter by 1.40 and 1.15, respectively min The content of calcium and phosphorus in the milk of the analyzed lines was within the physiological norm.Consequently, it is expedient and promising to use the animal lines of the Vis Back Ideal 1013415 and Reflection Sovering 198998.

Effect of long-term rumen-protected methionine supplementation on performance of Shami goats and growth performance of their kids

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 1713 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Titi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Milk Protein Content ◽  
Clear Dose Response

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementing the diets of Shami goats with rumen-protected methionine (RPM) in late pregnancy (last 60 days) and early lactation on milk production, composition, fatty acid profile in the first 60 days of lactation, and on growth performance of their kids. Three groups were used (25 goats/group) in a completely randomised design. Groups were a control with no supplements (0RPM) or supplemented with either 2.5 (2.5RPM), or 5.0 g/head.day RPM (5RPM). Birth and weaning weights for kids were recorded and analysed. Milk production was measured and sampled biweekly from each dam and analysed for milk composition. Results showed that RPM had no effect on birth and weaning weights, or average daily gain of Shami kids. However, milk to gain ratio of kids was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved. Milk production increased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in 5RPM group compared with 0RPM and 2.5RPM groups. Milk protein content was the highest (P &lt; 0.05) in the 2.5RPM group, followed by the 5RPM and 0RPM groups, whereas milk fat content was not different among the groups. Meanwhile, yields of both components were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in milk of treated groups. Casein and energy-corrected milk were increased (P &lt; 0.05) with treatment. No effect on dry-matter intake was recorded, while feed to milk ratio was better (P &lt; 0.05) for RPM groups than for 0RPM group. Milk fatty acids composition did not show significant changes after RPM treatment. In conclusion, results showed that supplementing RPM to Shami goats in late pregnancy did not affect birthweight or growth of suckling kids but improved milk production and milk protein, although no clear dose response to RPM was detected.

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