Zaitsev SYu.

Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production. 2026. Vol. 109. No. 2. Р. 169-181.

doi: 10.33284/2658-3135-109-2-169

Review article

Milk productivity and fat-protein composition of milk of the main goat breeds in Russia

and worldwide

Sergey Yu Zaitsev1

1Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named by LK Ernst, Dubrovitsy, Russia

1s.y.zaitsev@mail.ru, https://orcid.org 0000-0003-1533-8680

 

Abstract. Milk is a valuable product with a steadily increasing global production. Goat farming is well developed in Russia, several regions of Central Europe and the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East. The objective of this review is to comparatively assess (based on literature sources and the author's findings) the productivity and key milk parameters of goats of the main dairy breeds worldwide and in Russia. The total milk yield for lactation depends on the breed, lactation period, etc. in the ranges: from 400-500 kg to 700-850 kg (Alpine, Saanen, Russian White, Thuringian Forest), and even, sometimes, more than 1000 kg (Dutch White, German Noble White, German Pied Noble, Oberhasli, Czech). Accordingly, the main parameters of goat milk vary: fat mass fraction (FM) 3.0-6.0%, protein mass fraction (PMF) 2.6 %-4.2%, lactose 3.2-5.0%, ash 0.7-0.9%. Usually, FM is at the level of 3.0-4.0% (for 11 of the 17 main dairy goat breeds in the review). Only three goat breeds (Murciano Granadina, Cameroon, and Kamori) produce FM at a level of up to 5.8-6.0 %, which is determined by the relatively low milk yield of these goats: Murciano Granadina - 610-614 kg, Kamori - 450-600 kg Cameroon - 240-300 kg. With significant variability in PMF values, 12 out of 17 breeds have PMF values grouped around 3.0%. High PMF in milk of goats of the Murciano Granadina (3.8%), Cameroon (4.0%), Melagueña (4.0%), Kamori (4.2%) breeds is determined by the significantly lower milk yield of these goats than in other breeds. The leading breeds of goats for dairy productivity in Russia, according to most authors, are: Alpine, Saanen and Nubian (Anglo-Nubian) and, of course, the Russian White and other well-known breeds of domestic selection.

Keywords: breeds of goats, goat milk, milk component composition, milk yield, fat, protein

Acknowledgments: the  work was supported in accordance to the plan of research works of the LK Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry for 2024-2026 (No. 124020200032-4).

For citation: Zaitsev SYu. Milk productivity and fat-protein composition of milk of the main goat breeds in Russia and worldwide (review). Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production 2026;109(2):169-181. (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.33284/2658-3135-109-2-169

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Information about the authors:

Sergey Yu Zaitsev, Dr. Sci. (Chemistry), Dr. Sci. (Biology), Leading Researcher, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Farm Animals, Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, Podolsk City district, Moscow region, 142132, +7(4967)65-11-63.

There is no competing interests.

The article was submitted 24.02.2026; approved after reviewing 02.04.2026; accepted for publication 15.06.2026.

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