Comparative evaluation of milk yield and composition in three indigenous West African goat breeds under semi-intensive management.

Milk production constitutes an essential component of livestock farming in Benin. Although goats are predominantly reared for meat, their milk represents a valuable nutritional alternative to cow's milk, particularly for individuals with dietary sensitivities and children in food-insecure households. Nevertheless, despite the substantial goat population, caprine milk production remains significantly underexploited. This study assessed milk yield and composition of three indigenous West African goat breeds, Red Maradi Goat (RMG), West African Dwarf Goat (WAD), and West Long-Legged Goat (LLG), under semi-intensive systems in northern Benin to evaluate breed adaptability and support sustainable goat farming. Forty-eight goats (15 females and one male per breed) were selected from traditional farms and managed at an experimental station. Daily milk yield was recorded by hand-milking on days 8, 28, and 49 postpartum. A total of 318 milk samples were assessed for fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF), and pH using a Speedy Lab Milk Analyzer. The resulting data were then evaluated using Generalized Linear Mixed Models and correlation analysis. Milk yield differed significantly among breeds (