Effect of supplementary feeding on some cheese parameters of dairy goats receiving triticale herbage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementary feeding on some cheese parameters of dairy goats consuming triticale herbage. Fifteen lactating goats were allocated to three supplementary feeding groups and housed in individual pens. Goats in the first group received no supplementary feed. On the other hand, 0.5 kg concentrate feed was given to second groups and 1.0 kg concentrate feed was provided to the third group. Concentrate feed was fed twice daily before milking at equal portions. Triticale herbage was harvested every morning and afternoon and was offered to each goat between 10:00 and 18:00 at ad libitum level. In addition, oats hay (0.5 kg/goat/day) was given every morning before herbage offer.In the study, the performance, feed and nutrient intakes of goats, milk yield and constituents and cheese parameters were determined. Milk of each group sampled and pooled at two consecutive days of jointing and heading stages of Triticale was processed to cheese. Cheese parameters and yield were determined.Supplementary feeding to goats increased dry matter and crude protein intakes of goats significantly. Increase in concentrate feed resulted in an increase in milk yield. Similarly, solids not fat, protein and casein levels of milk increased. However milk urea level did not change.Of the cheese parameters, fat and protein varied based on the vegetation period of the Triticale. Increase in supplementary feed level also increased cheese yield. The highest cheese yield was found in 1.0 kg supplementary feeding group.In conclusion, supplementary feeding to goats increase milk yield and important milk parameters. Similarly supplementary feeding also increased cheese yield.