Break-even analysis of crude protein content in dairy goat feed mixture

The increasing global demand for goat’s milk is a good opportunity for producers to increase their production and profits. In addition to improving the genetic potential of goats and optimising feeding strategies to increase production, cost-effective measures for goat milk production must also be considered. To achieve these goals, it is important to understand the role of crude protein in goat feeding. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum and economically justifiable crude protein content in the feed mixture as a supplementary feed for goats in intensive milk production. The study was carried out over two production years within a herd of 70 Alpine goats. In the first year (control year), goats were fed a feed mixture containing 12 % crude protein. In the second year, the animals were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, each receiving a feed mixture with a different crude protein content (14 %, 16 %, or 18 %). Based on the average lactation yields and the ratio between revenues and costs in all three feeding groups, the coverage of the average costs of the feed mixture by the price of the milk revenues was evaluated. The results showed that feeding goats with a mixture containing 18 % crude protein significantly improved economic profitability and achieved the highest gross margin, both compared to the baseline year and compared to the groups fed lower protein levels. These results are crucial for producers engaged in intensive goat milk production, as they emphasise the need to adapt the goats’ diet to achieve optimal and economically sustainable results. By strategically increasing crude protein levels, farmers can improve both the profitability and efficiency of their operations.