Non-genetic factors and milk yield of creole goats in a semi-extensive system in Huaura, Perú

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of some non-genetic factors on the milk yield of creole goats under a semi-extensivesystem in the Huaura valley, Peru. Methodology. Sixteen creole goats from the first to the third parturition were used.Milking was done manually once a day. Milking control was performed every two weeks. The goats were grazed oncrop residues from the area. The effect of parity number, litter size and kidding season on actual milk production,lactation length and standardized milk production was evaluated. Results. The parity number influenced actual milkproduction, lactation length and standardized milk production (p<0.05), the kidding season only influenced lactationlength (p<0.05), while litter size had no influence on the variables studied (p>0.05). Conclusions. In creole goats, thenon-genetic factors parity number and kidding season had a marked influence on milk yield, while litter size had noeffect.