STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL AGE AND SOME GENETIC TRAITS ON MILK QUANTITY AND COMPOSITION IN GOAT FEMALES

This study was conducted in Babylon Governorate / Al-Hashimiyah District on one of the breeder's farms from December 1, 2023, to June 6, 2024.Milk samples were taken from 30 goats of different ages, shapes, and breeds (local and Shami goats).The milk components were analyzed using the Lacto Flash device (fat, protein, solid matter percentage, milk density, milk weight, and milk quantity).The age of the female goats was determined by examining their teeth and reviewing records.The study results showed a highly significant effect (p<0.01) of the Shami goat breed over the local breed regarding fat, protein, and lactose content, while there was no significant effect on the other studied traits.Maternal age had a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on milk weight and quantity at the age of four years.There was a significant effect (p<0.05) of maternal age on milk weight at the age of three years, while there was no significant effect on the other traits.Additionally, no significant effect was observed for the goats' hair color on the studied milk quantity and components.