Feasibility of using alternate control as a dairy control system in goats

Abstract

The feasibility of alternate dairy control as an alternative to traditional dairy control was evaluated. Adjustment factors were obtained for morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) milkings and applied to animals subjected to alternate dairy control to estimate uncontrolled milking and total daily milk yield. Data was compiled from six dairy goat farms in the Metropolitan Region of Chile for animals with completed lactations (of 305 days) and with recorded date of birth and parturition, parity and a minimum of six controls per lactation (used to determine AM, PM and total production). Values were sorted by productive factors parity and lactation month. Statistical analysis was performed using the Number Crunchers Statistical System ®2000 (Kaysville, UT, USA) to obtain mean values and adjustment factors for each productive factor and to make possible their application on any animal presenting the minimum required information. Adjustment factors were applied to 8788 values to estimate total daily milk yield. AM values estimated more accurate totals than PM values. Analysis provided r 2 values of 0.9083 and 0.7593, respectively, and supported the reliability of applying calculated adjustment factors to one of two daily milkings. The alternate dairy control system represents a viable alternative for estimation of total daily milk yield.