Studies were conducted to evaluate the lactation performance of Beetal goats under different milking systems at Small Ruminants Training and Research Centre, Ravi Campus, Pattoki to determine the effects of different milking frequencies and methods on milk production and composition. Twenty four (24) lactating Beetal goats of approximately same weight in first lactation were selected. Twenty four experimental does were randomly divided into four (04) equal treatments A, B, C and D according to Complete Randomized Design with factorial arrangement. Treatment-A was hand milked twice daily (06:00 AM and 06:OOPM) and considered as control treatment, treatment-B was milked thrice daily (06:00, 02:00 PM and 10:00 PM) manually, treatment-C was milked twice daily by machine and treatment-D was milked thrice using machine. All experimental goats were individually kept under same management conditions and fed on Lucerne hay based total mixed ration ad libitum, and were allowed to graze for 4 hours in the morning.

Daily TMR intake was significantly different (P<0.05) between treatments. Highest daily total mixed ration intake was observed in treatment D (1.47 ± 0.01 kg), followed by treatment B, C and A (1.33 ± 0.02 kg). Daily milk production in goats was significantly different (P<0.05) between treatments. Highest daily milk production was recorded in Treatment D and B, followed by C and A (804.59±6.55 ml). On over all basis daily milk production was 928.16±16.34 ml/goat. Milk samples were analyzed for fat, solid-not-fats, density, water and proteins contents. The results of fat content showed declining trend in twice and thrice machine milking. Highest (3.95 ± 0.08 %) fat content was observed in B followed by A, C and D (3.67 ± 0.06 %). Statistically non significant differences were observed in fat content between treatments. Overall mean for solid not fat contents was 8.87±0.07 %. Highest (9.21±0.17 %) SNF contents were recorded in treatment D, followed by A, B and C (8.68±0.14 %). Statistically significant (P<0.05) difference was observed between treatments in SNF. Over all mean for density was 1.032±0.00032 g/crn3 and was highest (1.033±0.00072) in Treatment D, followed by A, C and B and differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) between treatments. Proportion of water in milk was 87.23±0.072 %. Water contents were highest (87.37±0.111 %) in Treatment C followed by B, A, and D. Differences between treatments were nonsignificant. Protein contents in milk were 3.17±0.022 % on over all bases. Highest (3 .22±0.043) protein content per lOOmi milk was observed in C, followed by B, D and A, but differences were non- significant between treatments. Lactation length was significant (P<0.05) among all the treatments. The goats in treatment D showed longest lactation length (125.83±0.7 days) followed by B and C. Shortest lactation length was observed in treatment A (111.5±1.82 days) kept on twice a day hand milking. Milk production economics was calculated as the total variable cost includes cost of TMR consumed, labor, utility cost and sale value of milk produced per goat per day. Total variable cost incurred daily was Rs. 22.26, 25.46, 22.21 and 24.87 per goat under treatment A, B, C and D, respectively. Daily gross margin per goat was highest (Rs. 2.576) on treatment C followed by D (Rs. 1.698), B (Rs. 1.00) and A (Rs. -0.741). Machine milking twice and thrice a day found more economical as compared to manual milking.


On the basis of the above mentioned facts and figures it is concluded that the Beetal goat can be maintained as dairy animal under improved milking system. Milk production and composition was improved, lactation length was extended and production was more economical under thrice a day by hand or machine milking.