Assessment of Goat Milk Production and Utilisation in Peri-Urban Communities of Niger State

This study assesses goat milk production practices, nutritional quality, utilisation patterns, and market development opportunities in peri-urban communities of Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Goat milk is nutritionally superior to cow milk in several respects including smaller fat globule size and lower allergenicity, but its production and utilisation remain largely informal in Nigeria. Growing health consciousness among urban consumers in Minna and Suleja creates emerging market opportunities for formal goat dairy development. This study uses a mixed-method design combining a survey of 70 goat-keeping households in Chanchaga, Bosso, and Gurara local government areas with milk sampling and nutritional analysis. Survey variables include goat breeds kept, milking practices, milk yield records, utilisation patterns (fresh consumption, traditional fermentation, sale), and income contribution. Laboratory analysis of 60 milk samples characterises fat, protein, lactose, total solids, and somatic cell count. Market surveys assess consumer awareness, price acceptance, and quality preferences for goat milk among 80 urban consumers. Findings reveal that 84 percent of goat milk is consumed fresh within the household with limited commercial marketing. Average milk yield from Red Sokoto does is 0.62 litres per day over a 90-day lactation, significantly lower than improved crossbred animals. Fat content (4.1 percent) and protein content (3.6 percent) meet international standards for fresh goat milk. Consumer survey shows 68 percent willingness to purchase packaged goat milk at a 20 percent premium over cow milk if hygiene standards are assured. The study recommends a goat dairy development enterprise programme for Niger State peri-urban communities.

Keywords: goat milk, peri-urban farming, Niger State, dairy development, nutritional quality.