Bypass Fat Increases Milk Production and Quality in Goats under Extensive Management

Lactating goats show a negative energy metabolism, which is why supplementation during this period is beneficial for the female, improving the production and chemical composition of milk. Various studies have shown that the use of protected fats in ruminants increases the quantity and quality of milk. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a bypass fat on milk production and quality in grazing goats.

In an extensively managed goat herd in the Comarca Lagunera, goats (n=30) were selected and distributed in 3 treatments: (GCON), this group only consumed the vegetation in the grazing sites, (GHP95) this group received grazing plus bypass fat and (GLM45) this group received grazing plus bypass fat, the supplementation with bypass fat was 100 g/goat/d. During the study, live weight, body condition, milk production and quality were determined.

The research shows that supplementation with bypass fat is sufficient to increase production (p<0.05) and quality of milk (fat; p<0.05) after calving in the different samplings (p<0.05). The results favored GHP95. This supplementation makes the use of protected fats in animal feed more efficient, increasing productive parameters and income for grazing goat producers.