Significance of parity, year-season and prolificacy in influencing goat milk production traits

Milk production traits in goats are affected by different non genetic factors and the knowledge of these factors is essential for efficient management and for accurate estimation of breeding values. Adjusting for the known non genetic factors is necessary to increase efficiency of animal selection in dairy goats. The discussion explores the significance of dam’s parity, year-season and prolificacy in influencing milk production traits in goats. Much valuable research already exists on the influence of non genetic factors in dairy cattle; however, not much mention has been done pertaining to dairy goats. This is on the assumption that the spectrum of non genetic factors which affect milk production traits in goats are the same factors which influnce milk production traits in cattle. The understanding of different non genetic factors and their impacts is the first step in improving goat milk production, and prerequisite for defining appropriate management practices in the milk production process. Knowledge of non genetic factors is important in matching goat milk production to specific production system ensuring a sustainable level of milk production.