PARTIAL MILK YIELD, MILK CHOLESTEROL AND BODY WEIGHT OF LACTATING WEST AFRICAN DWARF DOES

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of weeks of lactation on partial milk yield, milk cholesterol and body weight of lactating West African Dwarf does were investigated. Twelve WAD does with mean initial weight of 24.51.58 kg were housed individually in pens. Partial milk yield was measured weekly and milk samples were analyzed for cholesterol content. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using general linear model procedures. Stage of lactation significantly affected milk yield, milk cholesterol content and body weight measurement. Highest milk cholesterol level and peak milk yield were observed at the 3^rd and 4^th week of lactation respectively and both decreased as lactation advanced.