Milk Production of Three Exotic Dairy Goat Genotypes in Limpopo Province, South Africa

The aim of the study was to investigate the milk potential of Saanen, British Alpine and Toggenburg dairy goats does under extensive nutritional management. Saanen produced more milk (1.45 kg day(-1)) than the two other breeds. Toggenburg produced the least amount of milk (0.56 kg). All breeds produced less than their reported production under improved management regimes. The Toggenburg and the British Alpine least expressed their genetic potential for milk production under extensive nutritional and management scheme. However, the milk yield from these temperate breeds under extensive management system was still much higher than the reported milk production of indigenous goats. Milk from the British Alpine had the highest protein content while the least milk protein content was found in the Toggenburg breed. Fat content was highest in the Toggenburg milk followed by the British Alpine, with the least amount of fat found in the Saanen milk. Milk yield, protein and fat contents were influenced by stage of lactation, season and parity. Milk yield declined with lactation stage.