Impact of Concentrate Level and Stage of Lactation on Fatty Acid Composition in Goat Milk

The impact of different amounts of concentrate and stage of lactation on fatty acid profile in milk fat was measured in 30 lactating Nubian goats. The ration included medium-quality hay, grazed pasture and concentrate feed (mashed barley, oats and beet pulp at 1:1:1 wet weight ratios). Half of the goats (group A) received 1.2 kg whereas group B received 1.0 kg of concentrate daily. Milk samples were taken 3 times during lactation. The total amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) increased gradually during lactation while polyunsaturated (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decreased. Group A had lower SFA but higher concentrations of MUFAs and PUFAs at all 3 samplings. Nubian goats fed more concentrate had FA ratios presumably more suitable for consumers of milk and milk products