Effect of stage of lactation and type of birth on: 1. Milk production, composition and some blood parameters in hand-milked Barki goats

This study was carried out at the Mariut Research station on the north-western coastal desert of Egypt, on the dominant goats of this area, the Barki, to investigate the effect of stage of lactation and litter size on milk and fat yield of does. Changes in some selected blood constituents were used as an aid in monitoring the metabolic and physiological status of the experimental animals. Expected changes in Na+, K+ and Ca++ were determined in bath milk and blood. Weight of kids and does and kids' daily gain were recorded. Results indicated the maximum daily milk yield, fat yield and white brood cell count. PVC%, milk K+ and blood Na+, K+ & Ca++, doe weight, kid weight and daily gain were significantly affected by stage of lactation (P < 0.01). Milk Na+ and Catt as well as red blood cells were not Significantly affected. Most of the corresponding parameters were not significantly affected by litter size.