Comparative evaluation of milk yield and composition in three indigenous West African goat breeds under semi-intensive management

Milk production constitutes an essential component of livestock farming in Benin. Although goats are predominantly reared for meat, their milk represents a valuable nutritional alternative to cow's milk, particularly for individuals with dietary sensitivities and children in food-insecure households. Nevertheless, despite the substantial goat population, caprine milk production remains significantly underexploited. This study assessed milk yield and composition of three indigenous West African goat breeds, Red Maradi Goat (RMG), West African Dwarf Goat (WAD), and West Long-Legged Goat (LLG), under semi-intensive systems in northern Benin to evaluate breed adaptability and support sustainable goat farming. Forty-eight goats (15 females and one male per breed) were selected from traditional farms and managed at an experimental station. Daily milk yield was recorded by hand-milking on days 8, 28, and 49 postpartum. A total of 318 milk samples were assessed for fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF), and pH using a Speedy Lab Milk Analyzer. The resulting data were then evaluated using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and correlation analysis. Milk yield differed significantly among breeds (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with RMG and LLG outperforming WAD. While WAD goats produced milk with significantly higher fat content, RMG maintained stable composition across lactation, WAD showed declines in most components except fat, and LLG exhibited increasing fat with decreasing SNF and density. Breed and lactation stage influenced milk pH, indicating physiological differences. Strong correlations emerged among SNF, protein, lactose, and density. These results position RMG and LLG as promising for yield and compositional stability, while WAD may be preferable for high-fat milk production. Selective breeding and improved feeding management could improve dairy productivity and sustainability in West African goat production systems.