DefinePK

Abstract

The present study aims to determine and compare the production, quality, and mineral content of Etawa crossbred dairy goat milk at various altitudes, such as the lowland, medium, and highlands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The data were collected through laboratory tests and direct observations of livestock companies in each selected region. These regions included Padang (9 meters above sea level or MASL), Payakumbuh City (516 meters above sea level or MASL), and Agam Regency (1100 meters above sea level or MASL), representing the lowland, medium plain area, and highlands, respectively. The study used 30 lactating Etawa crossbred dairy goats. Furthermore, the parameters measured included environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), feed consumption, milk production, and quality, which consisted of fat, protein content, specific gravity, lactose, pH, dry matter, and macro and micro minerals in milk. The results showed that the milk production and ration consumption in the highlands was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the medium plain and lowlands. Conclusively, differences in altitude cause differences in consumption, production, and quality of Etawa crossbred dairy goat's milk.