Goat milk production with foreign breeds in Uruguay

Geographic and climatic conditions in this South American country have favoured the intensive management of ovine flocks and cattle for wool and milk production since the 19(th) century. The national economy is based mainly on these productions. Cow's milk production is very important and results in high consumption in the country, part of which is exported. Recently (since 1987), Uruguay has initiated the importation of goats of high milk production (Anglo Nubian and other European breeds), as an interesting alternative for small farmers. The price of goat's milk is higher than that of cow's milk and so is goat cheese. They are starting to become accepted and required in the local and regional markets. This work offers a general view of the productive system, as it exists now in this country, and the results of a study on the productive behaviour of two herds of Anglo Nubian and Toggenburg goats during a milking period. From August to December, a milk yield control was performed every two weeks and samples were taken to analize milk composition and the presence of microoganisms. This study will also show the incidence of subclinical mastitis and some epidemiological aspects of this pathology.