Dairy goats have long been considered an important source of income for rural populations, providing the opportunity for profitable and sustainable diversity for small farms. Their importance is also increasing in intensive feeding systems and in large farms. They are highly adaptable due to their unique feeding habits and have become popular livestock animals in a range of environments, from temperate grasslands to subtropical, semi-arid and mountainous areas. Moreover, goat milk products are finding a growing acceptance in the world market and research has increased in feeding strategies for improved productivity and quality. Examining all aspects of dairy goat feeding and nutrition, this book represents a long awaited review of recent scientific research and updated techniques. Chapters discuss aspects such as the modelling and production of goat's milk as well as the estimation of nutrient requirements and food intake of goats.
Nutrition and Quality of Goat Milk
Mathematical Modelling of Goat Lactation Curves
Lipids of Goats Milk: Origin, Composition and Main Sources of Variation
Protein Components of Goat Milk
Aromatic and Nutritonal Quality of Goat Milk
Energy and Protein Requirements of Goats
Feed Intake
Feeding Behaviour and Intake of Goats Browsing on Mediterranean Shrublands
Grazing Management of Dairy Goats on Mediterranean Herbaceous Pastures
Feeding Management of Dairy Goats in Intensive Systems
Goat Nutrition for Fibre Production
Metabolic and Nutritional diseases