Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium in milk of West African Dwarf Does as influenced by Lactation Stages
O.T Ojoawo, A.O. Akinsoyinu

Abstract
This study centers on the concentration of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) in colostrum and mature milk of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats as influenced by stages of lactation. Six (6) WAD does aged 18 months and weighing 19-22 kg body weights were brought to heat by synchronization and served by two WAD bucks. After parturition, milk samples were collected at days 2, 3, 4, 5 and once a week from weeks 2 to 14. The results revealed that Na and K in colostrum were higher than that of matured milk. The Mg content of mature milk (19.8mg/100ml) was however higher than that of colostrum (18.2mg/100ml). Stages of lactation greatly influenced the contents of Na, Mg, & K in colostrum and mature milk of WAD does. Sodium and K in colostrum and mature milk decreased significantly (p<0.05) as lactation advanced. Magnesium in mature milk however depicted an increasing trend with advancing lactation while that of colostrum decreased significantly (p<0.05). Conclusively, the result showed that goat milk was richer in its content of Na, K and Mg than milk from cow and human. It is therefore recommended that the studied minerals be further jealously preserved in goat milk for its effective human consumption.

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