QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE VARIATION OF SAANEN GOAT MILK KEEPED IN EXTENDED LACTATION FOR TWO YEARS.

Saanen goats, specialized in milk production, improved in terms of quantity and quality (protein and fat content), are normally milked for 270-300 days with an annual production of 650-1050 l of milk / lactation and an average protein content of 2.9% and fat content of 3.2%. This study was conducted in the first goat farm in Romania that initiated prolonged lactation of goats. The research was carried out on a batch of primiparous goats, maintained in an intensive exploitation system, which after the first calving were subdivided according to milk production measured for a week. Two batches of 128 goats with a production of 3-4 liters/day and 94 goats with a production of over 4 liters/day were established. By modulating the diet and the light regime, the goats were milked continuously for 690 to 742 days, monitoring the amount of milk, protein and lipid levels on a monthly basis. Along with controlled breeding programs, prolonged lactation contributes to ensuring on the domestic market a continuity in the supply of goat's milk, throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]