Influence of fresh forage-based diets and αS1-casein (CSN1S1) genotype on nutrient intake and productive, metabolic, and hormonal responses in milking goats

Abstract Polymorphism at the α S1 -casein locus ( CSN1S1 ) in goats influences several milk production traits. Milk from goats carrying strong alleles, which are associated with high α S1 -casein (α S1 -CN) synthesis, has higher fat and casein contents, longer coagulation time and higher curd firmness than milk from goats with weak alleles linked to low α S1 -CN content. Nutrition also affects these milk properties; therefore, it is important to better understand the interaction between dietary characteristics and the CSN1S1 genotype in goats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fresh forage based diet or energy supplement on feeding behavior, milk production, and metabolic and ho…