About the evolution of goat and sheep milk production

Goats and sheep producing milk for people start with the beginnings of domestication. For thousands of years they provide sustainance for the people. During the last 150 years genetic selection and better feeding conditions led to several superior goat and sheep breeds in some countries in terms of milk and solids productivity, proving a great potential for evolution in both species, and responding to an increasing market demand and popularity especially of cheeses from goat and sheep milk. Some sheep breeds can produce more than 1000 kg milk in one lactation and several goat breeds more than 2000 kg milk, but in physiologically comparable terms of 4% fat-corrected milk both species can be equal. Goat milk production leaders have been capable of producing 10 kg milk per day of lactation. Comprehensive reviews are presented of the latest aspects of production and technology of goat and sheep milk. Published by Elsevier B.V.