Authors : J. P. Alawa and U.I. Oji
Abstract: Forty Red Sokoto does (20 with normal-sized udders and 20 with enlarged pendulous udders) in early to mid-lactation, corresponding to the first 8 weeks of lactation, were used to estimate yield and proximate composition of milk. Does with normal-sized udders yielded 79% more milk (p<0.05) daily than those with enlarged pendulous udders. Milk obtained from enlarged pendulous udders tested positive for mastitis and its composition altered due to mastitis. Protein and solids-non-fat in milk from pendulous udders significantly (p<0.05) increased relative to that in normal-sized udders. Changes in fat, total solids and ash were minimal. Milk obtained from pendulous udders had an altered Ca: P ratio, while, phosphorus content of milk was markedly (p<0.05) reduced for does with pendulous udders.
J. P. Alawa and U.I. Oji , 2008. Effect of Pendulous Udder Enlargement on Yield and Proximate Composition of Milk from Red Sokoto Goats. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 870-872.