EFFECTS OF BREED, AGE, SEASON AND WEEK ON MILK SECRETION RATE AND EIGHT HOUR MILK YIELD OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF AND RED SOKOTO GOATS

Abstract

A comparative study on milk secretion rate and 8 h milk yield of West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats was carried out at Abeokuta, Nigeria. The milk secretion rate and 8 h milk yield  obtained for WAD and RS were 6.57+0.34 ml/h, 52.57 + 2.74 ml and 7.32+0.35 ml/h, 58.55 + 2.83 ml respectively. Does aged 1.5-3 years had higher secretion rate and part milk yield 7.42+0.36 ml/h and 59.37+ 2.86 ml than older does 6.47+0.34 ml/h and 51.75+2.72 ml. The milk secretion rate and 8 hr  milk yield were higher in the wet season 7.51+0.35 ml/h and 60.11+2.81ml than in the dry season 6.38+0.35 ml/h and 51.00+2.76 ml. They were also higher in the early weeks of lactation and declined towards the end of lactation.