Effects of the number of lactations and litter size on chemical composition and physical characteristics of goat colostrum

Sixty Majorera goats were allotted into groups according to whether they were in their first or second lactation, or whether they had more than two (n = 20, respectively). In each group, 10 goats were of single litter size and 10 were of multiple litter size. After giving birth, twelve 300 ml colostrum samples were obtained every 12 h by manual milking from both udders. The contents of fat, protein, total IgG and lactose were determined and pH, density and electric conductivity were measured. The levels of protein and total IgG contents dropped quickly from the time of birth to 132 h postpartum, whereas fat content increased from birth to 24 h postpartum and subsequently decreased until 132 h postpartum. The lactose content increased slightly from birth to 132 h postpartum and pH and electric conductivity increased slightly, whilst density values dropped quickly after partum. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved