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<p>With growing consumer interest in goat milk and its derivatives, a comprehensive understanding of milk composition and mineral content is essential for the sustainable valorization of local genetic resources, particularly in arid Mediterranean environments. These goats graze freely on natural rangelands, where aromatic and medicinal plants such as <i>Artemisia herba-alba</i> are abundant, potentially enriching the milk with bioactive compounds. This work investigated how non genetic factors particularly parity and lactation stage, affect milk production, major compositional traits and mineral contents. Sixty-five goats were systematically controlled with milk samples recorded and analyzed every two weeks. Significant variations in mineral concentrations were observed across lactation stages (<i>p</i><i> &lt; 0.05</i>), with most mineral levels increasing from early to late lactation. Potassium increases throughout the initial lactation phase in high yielding goats, while calcium and zinc levels declined by 3.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Protein content was highest at second parity, whereas fat content was positively correlated with phosphorus, iron, and potassium. This research provides the first characterization of milk composition and mineral profiles in this local goat population, showing the importance of milk composition as bioactive indicators of nutritional and environmental resilience. The presence of native aromatic plant species in the goats’ natural diet may contribute to enhanced milk quality and functional properties. These findings contribute to <b>climate action</b> and promote sustainable <b>consumption and production</b> by supporting the integration of milk quality traits into breeding programs and the valorization of local biodiversity in arid regions.</p>

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Milk composition and mineral content in indigenous goats grazing on aromatic-rich pastures in arid mediterranean regions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月21日

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  • Atoui Ahlem,
  • Najari Sghaier

摘要

With growing consumer interest in goat milk and its derivatives, a comprehensive understanding of milk composition and mineral content is essential for the sustainable valorization of local genetic resources, particularly in arid Mediterranean environments. These goats graze freely on natural rangelands, where aromatic and medicinal plants such as Artemisia herba-alba are abundant, potentially enriching the milk with bioactive compounds. This work investigated how non genetic factors particularly parity and lactation stage, affect milk production, major compositional traits and mineral contents. Sixty-five goats were systematically controlled with milk samples recorded and analyzed every two weeks. Significant variations in mineral concentrations were observed across lactation stages (p < 0.05), with most mineral levels increasing from early to late lactation. Potassium increases throughout the initial lactation phase in high yielding goats, while calcium and zinc levels declined by 3.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Protein content was highest at second parity, whereas fat content was positively correlated with phosphorus, iron, and potassium. This research provides the first characterization of milk composition and mineral profiles in this local goat population, showing the importance of milk composition as bioactive indicators of nutritional and environmental resilience. The presence of native aromatic plant species in the goats’ natural diet may contribute to enhanced milk quality and functional properties. These findings contribute to climate action and promote sustainable consumption and production by supporting the integration of milk quality traits into breeding programs and the valorization of local biodiversity in arid regions.