MILK-PRODUCTION OF GOATS GRAZING NATIVE PASTURE UNDER DIFFERENT SUPPLEMENTATION REGIMES IN SOUTHERN ITALY

In Experiment 1, 48 goats from two breeds (Maltese and Rossa Mediterranea) received two levels of concentrate supplements (150 and 550 g per head day(-1)) in a 2 x 2 factorial design. In Experiment 2, the concentrate levels were the same, but with two levels of crude protein (CP) for each concentrate level (16.7% and 38.5% CP, and 11.6% and 16.7% CP, respectively). At low or high concentrate level, the net energy (NE)/CP ratio was the same. There was no significant difference between Maltese and Rossa Mediterranea breeds in milk yield and composition, although fat content tended to be higher in Rossa Mediterranea. Energy and N balance, body condition and blood parameters did not differ between breeds. Concentrate levels did not alter milk production significantly: 40 kg and 30 kg in Experiment 1 and 2, respectively, i.e, 1 kg and 0.7 kg milk were produced per kilogram of concentrate. Protein supplements did not improve milk production. The group at high protein level had a trend towards reduced milk production as a consequence of reduced ingestion from pasture, In grazing conditions of southern Italy, concentrates supplied at the level of 550 g might be economical depending on their price compared with that of milk and cheese. However, protein supplementation did not increase milk yield, and was therefore of no economic value.