Abstract :
The effects of milking interval (8, 16 and 24 h) on synthesis of milk in Tunisian goat were
investigated in 12 suckling goats according to 3
×
3 replicated Latin square design. Milk
accumulation rate in the goat mammary gland did not vary according to milking interval and
averaged 20.1
±
3.4 ml/h. Titrable acidity and density of milk increased from 8 to 16 h after
milking and decreased at 24 h milking interval. Total solids, fat, protein and ash contents
did not vary with milking interval. Milk lactose content was affected by milking interval; it
increased until 16 h and decreased to reach a minimum value at 24. It concluded that milking
intervals less or equal to 24 h did not affect milk yield and quality, and demonstrates the
adaptation of this breed to the adopted rearing system in southern of the country where
kids are separated from dams during long period of the day.
