Effect of Seasonal Variation on the Composition of Goat Milk Raised in Amber Tehsil of Jaipur District

Abstract

Goats represent an important component of livestock production and contribute significantly to the socio-economic livelihood of rural communities, particularly among economically weaker sections. This study aimed to highlight the importance and value of goat milk under Indian rearing conditions. In India, more than 46% of the total milk produced is consumed in liquid form. The goat is considered one of the earliest domesticated ruminants and, except for the dog, has the widest adaptability across different ecological zones. The study was carried out at Shri Vinayak College of Agriculture, Nayla, Kanota, Jaipur district, Rajasthan, during the period 2022–2024. A total of 1200 milk samples collected from goats reared in Amber tehsil under different seasonal conditions were analyzed. The overall mean values for specific gravity, fat, protein, lactose, ash, total solids, and solids-not-fat were found to be 1.0399±0.0009, 4.70±0.048%, 3.79±0.029%, 4.81±0.024%, 0.88±0.009%, 13.09±0.039%, and 8.15±0.051%, respectively. Significant seasonal variations were observed in milk composition, particularly in parameters such as specific gravity, fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and chloride content in Jakhrana and Sirohi goat breeds. The findings clearly indicate that seasonal conditions have a marked influence on the quality and composition of goat milk.