Influence of dietary mineral sources on milk yield and composition of West African Dwarf Does

This study investigated the effects of different mineral nutrient sources (local potash (“kaun”), mineral lick and ruminant mineral premix) on milk yield and composition of West African Dwarf does. Twelve WAD goats (first parity does), weighing between 13.00±3.79 and 14.33±4.83 kg, were divided into four groups with three does per treatment; 0% mineral (0MC), 2% local potash (2LP), mineral lick (2ML) and mineral ruminant premix (2RMP). The experiment lasted for 180 days (150 days pregnancy, 30 days milk collection). Data collected on the milk yield and milk composition of WAD does were analysed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Result revealed that for total milk yield and daily milk yield, does in 2ML (5919.67 millilitre/animal, 197.32 millilitre/animal/day), 2LP (5852.00 millilitre/animal, 195.07 millilitre/animal/day) and 2RMP (5131.00 millilitre/animal, 171.03 millilitre/animal/day) had the highest (p<0.05) values with 0MC (1642.67 millilitre/animal, 54.76 millilitre/animal/day) having the least values. For colostrum lactose, 2RMP (4.33±0.15%) and 2PLP (4.10±0.21%) had the highest (p<0.05) values followed by 0MC (3.97±0.27%) and 2ML (3.30±0.25%). While, in milk total solid, 0MC (11.40±0.35%) had the highest (p<0.05) value followed by 2ML (10.43±1.03%) and 2RMP (9.87±0.32%) with 2LP (8.93±0.43%) having the least values. The study concluded that for high milk yield, diets containing 2ML could be fed to does.