Effects of Supplemental Feeding of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed on Milk Yield, Composition, Sensory Properties and Some Blood Parameters in Lactating Goats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental feeding of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed on milk yield, composition and some blood parameters in lactating goats. In this study, ten lactating goats in the second lactation were used. Their milk yields were closer to each other. Experimental goats were divided into 2 groups as control (C) and Fenugreek (F), equally. They were individually kept in pen sized 2x2 m. C goats did not consume fenugreek seed while F goats were allowed to consume daily 50 g fenugreek seed for each just before the meal in the mornings. The experiment lasted for 63 days of which 7 days are for adaptation and 56 days are for treatment period. Results showed that fenugreek seeds supplementation increased feed intake (2876.4 vs 2716.4 g, P<0.01) and milk yield (1010.6 g vs 879.7 g, P<0.01) in lactating goats. Fat corrected milk yield was higher in F goats (865.2 g) than that of C goats (780.0 g) (P<0.01). Serum glucose, total cholesterol and protein levels were not affected while serum triglyceride level and prolactin hormone level increased by fenugreek seed supplementation (P<0.05). Fenugreek seed supplementation did not affect milk organoleptic properties such as smell, taste and appearance. To conclude, fenugreek seed in lactating goats can be used as natural supplement to increase milk yield since fenugreek seed had no effect on sensory properties of milk.