Optimizing goat milk and cheese production under arid conditions: breed performance and adaptive strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56027/JOASD.272025Keywords:
goat breeds, milk composition, cheese yield, gender valorization, arid land agricultureAbstract
Climate change poses significant challenges to goat farming systems in arid regions, requiring integrated approaches combining genetic diversity, adaptive management, and value chain optimization. This study assessed breed performance, climate adaptation strategies, and dairy valorization potential in southeastern Tunisia's Gabes region. A comprehensive survey of 110 goat farmers documented climate perceptions and adaptation practices, while experimental analysis of 40 dairy goats representing four breeds (Local, Alpine, Maltese, Damascus) evaluated milk composition and cheese yield through 120 samples collected over nine weeks at three-week intervals. Statistical power analysis confirmed adequacy (>0.80) for detecting breed differences in key parameters. Morphometric characterization included 50 animals across five breeds and dairy valorization assessment complemented the analysis.
Damascus goats demonstrated superior milk quality with significantly higher fat content (5.51% vs 3.83% in Local breeds, F=5.254, p=0.004) and lactose levels (3.98% vs 3.61%), but paradoxically achieved the lowest cheese yield (78.07% vs 85.57% in Maltese breeds, p<0.001). Alpine and Maltese breeds optimized processing efficiency with 84-86% cheese yields. Farmers implemented comprehensive adaptation strategies including crossbreeding (76%), infrastructure renovation (60%), and reduced grazing dependence (3.74 h/day average). Women dominated dairy processing (87%) with traditional products achieving 3.3-fold value multiplication over raw milk. Results reveal sophisticated breed-environment interactions where genetic specialization for arid conditions does not automatically translate to processing advantages. Strategic breed portfolio management combining Damascus for premium products, Alpine/Maltese for commercial efficiency, and Local breeds for climate resilience offers optimal sustainability outcomes.
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