Lactation performance of dairy goats fed whole soybeans

Abstract

Thirty-six dairy goats (16 Saanen and 20 Alpine), averaging 88 ± 2.3 days in milk, were used in a complete randomized block design to evaluate the effects of whole soybeans in lactation performance. Corn silage based diets containing 0%, 7%, 14% and 21% whole soybeans were fed for 63 days. Dry matter intake was reduced and feed efficiency increased (P < 0.01) with higher levels of whole soybeans. Milk fat percentage and production increased linearly (P < 0.01) and milk production was reduced. Milk protein production and percentage and 3.5% fat corrected milk (FCM) were affected by dietary treatments, showing quadratic (P < 0.01) response. Feeding dairy goats with whole soybeans up to 14% of the diet dry matter did not affect adversely lactation performance.