A meta-analysis of forage feed impacts on milk production and quality in dairy goats

Abstract

Dairy goats are a strategic commodity in sustainable farming systems. However, the presence of antinutritional compounds in forage can affect nutrient effectiveness and lactation performance. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of the scientific literature evaluation the effects of forage on the quantity and quality of goat milk. Data were obtained from the Scopus and Semantic Scholar databases through keyword searches “dairy,“goat,“ and “forage,“ as well as snowballing methods on relevant references. Of the 333 identified articles, 157 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed bibliometrically using VOSviewer. The results indicate that this topic is multidisciplinary and rapidly developing, with three main focuses: basic nutrition, rumen fermentation, and functional milk quality. Keyword cluster identification shows the potential integration of topics between forage quality, rumen microbiota, and milk nutritional value. Countries such as Spain, Indonesia, and Brazil are major contributors to related publications. This study highlights research gaps, particularly in environmental aspects such as methane emissions, as well as the direct link between feed and human health through goat milk. Recommendations are directed towards integrative research approaches that connect nutritional aspects, microbiota, and the functional impact of milks on consumer health.