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Desert Conditions and Goat Milk Production

Department of Zoology, University of Tel Aviv, Israel

ABSTRACT

Adaptation of the small Black Bedouin goat breed to arid desert conditions is discussed. They are watered only once in 2 to 4 days which increases their foraging range greatly. During water deprivation for 4 days, they lose 25 to 30% of body weight from reduction of total body water and blood plasma volume. Nevertheless, these goats are relatively high milk producers. Daily yields of over 2 kg have been recorded for animals weighing only 15 to 25 kg. Milk composition is similar to that of other goat breeds. Yearlings have usually only single kids, but twinning occurs about 50% of the time in older does. Birth weights of single kids are about 2 kg with twins slightly lighter. Growth rates of kids have exceeded those of other goat breeds. Milk production efficiencies have exceeded 33% of energy consumed.