Individual milk samples representin

Individual milk samples representing the overall morning milking were collected monthly (from April
to September) from 24 Saanen goats, uniformly distributed into two herds in Northern Italy, with the aim to
evaluate the factors affecting titratable acidity and rennet-coagulation parameters. Herds differed in feeding
management system: "Traditional" and "Total Mixed Ration". Delivery date, parity number (primiparous or
pluriparous), delivery type (single or twin) were considered. In correspondence of test days, lactation stage and
milk yield data were recorded. All milk samples were analysed for fat, protein, lactose, urea, somatic cells, pH,
titratable acidity and rennet-coagulation parameters. Herd type significantly affected titratable acidity. Titratable
acidity showed a positive relationship with milk yield and protein content and a negative one with pH. Milk from
primiparous goats had a higher titratable acidity and a better clotting time. Milk from single delivery goats was
characterised by a higher titratable acidity. Lower values of titratable acidity were accompanied by a worsening of
curd firming time and curd firmness. Among rennet-coagulation parameters, herd type influenced only curd
firming time. An increase of protein content was related to a worse clotting time, a lower k20 and a higher a30. An
increase of lactose content was related to an improvement of rennet-coagulation parameters. Curd firming time
worsening was related to increased somatic cells and pH; pH was also related to an increase of clotting time