The effect of liquid whey fed to dairy goats on milk yield and quality

Effects of liquid whey (6.5% total solids) feeding to 54 Alpine and Saanen goats on milk yield and quality, was evaluated on a dairy farm in the Appennine mountains. Individual milk yield and composition of milk fat, protein, lactose and somatic cell counts were determined. Bulk milk samples were evaluated for renneting properties of milk (T, K10and E30). Individual liquid whey intake was 5.5 kg day-1 ( 360 g dry matter intake (DMI)) and total mixed ration intake was 2010 g DMI day-1 and 2170 g DMI day-1 for test and control groups, respectively. Daily milk yield and fat content of the test group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the control group (2.88 vs 2.65 kg day-1 and 2.89 vs 2.72%). Coagulation time (T) and curd firmness (E30) was significantly (P < 0.05) better in the test group compared with the controls (T: 22.7 vs 28.6 min; E30: 28.7 vs 22.5 mm). These results suggest that liquid whey can be used as a practical supplement for dairy goats.