Only a few dairy goat studies have modeled lactation curves using a mathematical function. Among them, the mu]tiphasic function provides the most useful information on characteristics of the lactation curve including scale (initial and maximum yields) and shape (time of maximum yield and persistency). Factors that affect such characteristics include breed, parity, season of kidding and level of production. Breed affects scale &the curve; parity affects scale and shape; season of kidding mainly affects shape (persistency); and level of production affects scale and shape (persistency). The multiphasic function warrants further consideration as the model for lactation curves in dairy goats. Further genetic and physiological research is needed to understand fully the biological properties of phases of the lactation curve in dairy goats and to ascertain their usefulness in management and in selection.