Milk Yield and Quality, Metabolic Profile and Oxidative Status in Lactating Goats, as Affected by Silage Based on Agro-Industrial By-Products

Large amounts of agro-industrial residues-such as grape pomace, olive mill wastewater, wheat straw, and cheese whey-pose disposal challenges and generate substantial environmental and economic burdens. Incorporating these by-products into ruminant diets may reduce feeding costs while supporting sustainability within a circular bioeconomy. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate: (i) the characteristics of a mixed raw agro-industrial by-product silage (BPS) in cylindrical bale silos (50 kg) and (ii) its effects as dietary supplementation on metabolic profile, oxidative status, milk yield, and milk quality in lactating goats. The BPS was formulated from raw wheat straw, grape pomace, olive mill wastewater, and cheese whey and tested at a 30% inclusion level (dry-matter basis). The combined by-products produced in 50 kg cylindrical bale silos were positively characterized and exhibited a nutritionally suitable silage with relevant antioxidant potential. Dietary BPS improved oxidative status, as evidenced by increased TAS and vitamin E and reduced ROMs, and positively influenced lipid and immunological blood markers of goats. Milk yield was higher in goats receiving the BPS. Moreover, milk quality was improved through a more favorable fatty acid profile, higher vitamin E content, reduced cholesterol levels, and enhanced oxidative stability, as evidenced by lower TBARS values. Overall, BPS supplementation enhanced animal health indicators and milk nutritional properties, demonstrating that this silage can contribute to more sustainable dairy goat production while offering potential benefits for human nutrition.