ABSTRACT: The United Kingdom's climate and topography enable multiple different calving patterns to operate within the same market, facilitated by industry infrastructure that allows for a variety of milk purchasing arrangements. All-year-round (AYR) calving is most common, and with current labor challenges, spring block (SB), autumn block (AB), and twin block (TB) calving systems could potentially become more popular, but research comparing the efficiency of AYR and block-calving systems operating within the same market conditions is limited. This study compared the costs of production of AYR against 3 block-calving systems on a pence per liter (PPL) of ECM basis (1 pence = ₤0.01, US$1 = £1.28 at the time of the study), to assist benchmarking activities, costs, and management decisions. Farm accounts data (from 2017 to 2020), from 604 farms broadly representing the national split of calving patterns in the United Kingdom were included in a linear mixed effects (LME) model used for inference with maximum likelihood estimation. Random effects included year and farm, with fixed effects including herd size (cows), farm size (hectares), and average annual milk yield per cow, which were each standardized to enable all calving patterns to be compared at the same scale (i.e., same herd size, farm size, and milk yield). Calving pattern was self-determined by the farmer under guidance from a trained data collector. Cost of production variables investigated included milk price, stock sales (calves, cull cows, breeding animals), total income (all dairy farm revenues), total purchased feed, purchased forage, variable costs, gross margin, labor and overhead costs, and net profit. The AB herds had lower total income, lower forage purchases, higher labor costs and lower net profit compared with AYR. The SB herds had higher total income, higher forage purchases, and lower labor and overhead costs compared with AYR. No differences were found between TB and AYR herds. Using the LME model, we estimated the impact of changing the fixed effects on costs of production based on a 1-SD change. Increasing herd size (1 SD, 345 cows) was associated with a reduction in net profit of AB herds by 3.34 PPL but an increase in net profit for SB herds by 5.57 PPL compared with AYR. For increasing farm size (1 SD, 164 ha), all 3 block-calving herds had different associations compared with AYR; net profits would be increased for AB and TB herds (by 1.33 and 2.12 PPL, respectively), whereas SB herds would have reduced net profit by 4.26 PPL. Increasing energy corrected milk yield (1 SD, 4,038 L) would only benefit the net profit of SB herds over AYR by 6.04 PPL, as SB herds had the lowest milk yield per cow. The results demonstrated that increasing land, cows, or milk yield per cow was associated with different responses in cost of production depending on calving pattern. Findings from this study could be used by extension services, farm advisors, and farmers for benchmarking purposes and when considering farm-scale decisions or switching from an AYR to a block-calving pattern.
Milk products are a diverse group of foods and important sources of essential nutrients, including high-quality proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Among their key quality attributes, texture is particularly critical, as it strongly influences consumer perception and overall product quality. Numerous devices and techniques have been developed to evaluate the texture of milk products, most of which rely on mechanical tests such as puncture, compression, shearing, creep, and relaxation. Instrumental evaluations are essential for correlating physical measurements with sensory perceptions, yet several challenges limit their reliability. Inconsistencies in testing protocols—such as reporting force versus penetration depth versus force versus time; variations in testing temperature, sample shape and dimensions; probe geometry; compression depth; and container size for semisolid samples contribute to discrepancies across studies. Additionally, many studies omit these critical methodological details, reducing reproducibility and comparability. This review systematically examines the current methods used to assess dairy product texture, identifies gaps and challenges in standardization, and provides guidance to support future research aimed at obtaining accurate, reproducible, and meaningful texture measurements.
Harald Pothmann, Michael Mitterer, Florian Flicker
et al.
Hyperketonemia (HYK), defined by blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) ≥ 1.2 mmol/L, is described as a significant risk factor for cows developing postpartum (pp) diseases and impaired reproductive performance. The goal of the present study was to observe metabolic challenges in transition cows and to identify systemic markers reflecting HYK associated with lessened reproductivity. Fifty-four Simmental cows were monitored, revealing approximately 30% prevalence of HYK at the early pp period on 7, 14, or 28 days in milk (DIM). We assessed the dry matter intake, rumination time (RT), serum liver activity index, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), acute phase proteins, and uterine and oviductal health. Elevated NEFA and reduced RT 14 days antepartum were a good predictor for HYK at 7 DIM. Hyperketonemia at 14 DIM resulted in higher milk yield compared with controls. We could neither detect differences in uterine health nor in reproductive key performance parameters between hyperketonemic and control cows, whereby the proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in oviductal epithelia was significantly lower in hyperketonemic cows 14 DIM. We conclude that elevated concentrations of BHB in HYK 7, 14, or 28 DIM indicated energy supply to support physiological metabolic adaptations and lactation and that, in the absence of excessive inflammation during the transition period, HYK was not a risk factor for impaired fertility.
Sustainability is interwoven with consumer expectations of organic production systems, yet there are few nutritional options for organic dairy systems to approach methane (CH4) mitigation. The objective of the current study was to compare 3 feed additives for CH4 mitigation. We hypothesized that each additive would decrease CH4 production in continuous culture when compared with a control diet. Using dual-flow continuous culture fermenters fitted for CH4 and hydrogen (H2) sampling, 4 treatments were arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were a negative control (CON, 60:40 concentrate:orchardgrass pellet mix, 17.1% CP, 33.0% NDF, 20.1% ADF, and 27.1% starch) fed twice daily a total 80 g/d DM (CON) and comparing one of the 3 additives: kelp powder (KP) at 1.7 g/d, essential oils (EO) at 3 mg/d, or pistachio-based biochar (BC) at 1.6 g/d. All dosages were calculated based on previous data and supplier recommendations scaled to dual-flow continuous culture functional volume. Experimental periods included 7 d of adaptation and 4 d of sampling (11 d total), and buffer and solids dilution rates were maintained at 7%/h and 5%/h, respectively. The main statistical model included fixed effect of treatment and random effects of fermenter and period. Gas production data were measured by feeding; thus, analysis included a repeated effect of feeding and hourly VFA samples a repeated effect of hour. Only EO decreased CH4 production compared with CON (43.1 vs. 47.4 mmol/feeding, SD: 3.96). There was no effect of treatment on H2 emission, nor H2 or CH4 in the aqueous phase. There was also no effect of treatment on nutrient digestibility despite large numerical differences in fiber digestibility, nor the production of primary VFA. However, KP decreased production of isobutyrate and isovalerate compared with CON. While the present data illustrate efficacy of an essential oil product to decrease CH4 emission, decreases in CH4 were not supported by statistically significant gains in VFA that could translate to increased milk production in the dairy cow.
Miguel Chirivi, Ursula Abou-Rjeileh, Jeff Gandy
et al.
ABSTRACT: Periparturient dairy cows exhibit intense lipolysis driven by reduced DMI, enhanced energy needs, and the loss of adipose tissue (AT) insulin sensitivity. Extended periods of low insulin sensitivity and negative energy balance induce lipolysis dysregulation, leading to increased disease susceptibility and poor lactation performance. Chromium (Cr) supplementation improves systemic insulin sensitivity, whereas palmitic acid (PA) increases energy availability for milk production. However, the effect of supplementing Cr and PA alone or in combination on insulin sensitivity in AT is unknown. A total of 32 multiparous cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment and randomly assigned to one of 4 diets fed from 1 to 24 DIM: a control diet with no supplementation (CON, n = 8); the Cr diet (Cr propionate at 0.45 mg/kg Cr/kg DM, n = 8); the PA diet (1.5% DM, n = 8); or Cr+PA (n = 8). Plasma samples were collected at −13 ± 5.1 d prepartum (PreP), and at 14.4 ± 1.9 d (PP1) and 21 ± 1.9 d (PP2) after calving for quantification of albumin, BHB, BUN, calcium, cholesterol, glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), total protein, iron, transferrin, triglycerides, and oxylipids. Subcutaneous AT (SCAT) explants were collected at PreP, PP1, and PP2 and incubated in the presence of the lipolytic agent isoproterenol (ISO = 1 µM, BAS = 0 µM) for 3 h. The antilipolytic effect of insulin (1 µL/L) on SCAT explants was evaluated during ISO stimulation (ISO+INS). Lipolysis was quantified by glycerol release in the medium (nmol glycerol/mg AT). Macrophage infiltration and adipocyte size were measured using hematoxylin and eosin-stained AT sections and immunohistochemistry. The Cr diet tended to reduce postpartum NEFA concentrations when compared with CON, PA, and Cr+PA. Likewise, Cr increased the percentage of large adipocytes (>9,000 µm2) postpartum compared with other diets. In line with higher lipid content, Cr-fed cows had higher ex vivo BAS lipolysis at PP2 when compared with PA and Cr+PA. Isoproterenol induced higher lipolysis at PP1 and PP2, but it was not affected by Cr and PA. The ISO+INS treatment reduced lipolysis by 29.91% ± 11% in Cr compared with ISO. In contrast, ISO+INS did not affect ISO lipolysis in CON, PA, and Cr+PA. Plasma transferrin was reduced by Cr. At PP2, PA cows had 3.3-fold higher macrophage infiltration in SCAT when compared with CON and Cr. Plasma 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) and 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid (oxoODE) were increased by Cr+PA. Palmitic acid increased plasma 13-oxoODE and Cr increased the ratio of 13-HODE to 13-oxoODE. Palmitic acid increased 5-iso prostaglandin F2α-VI. Our results demonstrate that supplementing Cr during the immediate postpartum enhances SCAT insulin sensitivity and lipid accumulation. Further studies should determine the effects and mechanisms of action of Cr and PA on AT lipogenesis, adipogenesis, and their impact on lactation performance.
Mária Mičiaková, Peter Strapák, Eva Strapáková
et al.
This study evaluated the impact of estrus on changes in rumination over 24 h using data from the DataFlow™ II program and the Heatime RuminAct device, encompassing 634 estrous cycles of dairy cows. During the reference period, three days before estrus, cows spent an average of 511 min per day ruminating. One day before estrus, the total rumination time decreased to 503 min per day. During estrus, rumination time further decreased to 481 min, reflecting a reduction of 31 min per day (6.2%) compared to the pre-estrus reference period. After estrus ended, we observed an immediate increase in rumination time, with post-estrus levels comparable to pre-estrus values. Using a linear model, we assessed the influence of the herd and individual cows on changes in rumination time during estrus compared to the reference period. Our findings confirm the notable impact of estrus on rumination in dairy cows. The reduction in rumination time was most pronounced in heifers (−66 min, −13%), followed by first-lactation cows (−36 min, −7%) and multiparous cows (−16 min, −4%). The influence of the lactation stage was significant, with cows in early lactation showing a greater reduction in rumination compared to cows in later stages. Additionally, high-milk-yielding cows exhibited slightly lower rumination times during estrus, reflecting the interplay between diet composition and energy demands. These results underscore the role of parity, lactation stage, milk yield, and individual differences in shaping rumination behavior during estrus. Behavior-monitoring systems proved valuable for detecting estrus and managing reproduction in dairy herds. Our results showed a notable 6.2% reduction in rumination during estrus, highlighting its potential as a reliable indicator in regions like Slovakia, where economic challenges impact dairy farming sustainability.
Gulzar Ahmad Nayik, Yash D. Jagdale, Sailee A. Gaikwad
et al.
Goat milk contains an abundance of different macro and micro-nutrients. Compared with other milk, goat milk is a viable option due to its low allergy levels and is preferred for infants with cow milk allergies. A wide variety of goat milk-based products, including yoghurt, ice cream, fermented milk, and cheese, are available on the market. They are produced using effective processing technology and are known to exhibit numerous health benefits after consumption. However, goat milk consumption is limited in many nations (compared with cow, buffalo, camel, and sheep milk) due to a lack of awareness of its nutritional composition and the significance of its different byproducts. This review provides a detailed explanation of the various macronutrients that may be present, with special attention paid to each component, its purpose, and the health benefits it offers. It also compares goat milk with milk from other species in terms of its superiority and nutritional content, as well as the types, production methods, health advantages, and other beneficial properties of the various goat milk products that are currently available on the market.
Victor B. Pedrosa, Shi-Yi Chen, Leonardo S. Gloria
et al.
ABSTRACT: Identifying genome-enabled methods that provide more accurate genomic prediction is crucial when evaluating complex traits such as dairy cow behavior. In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive performance of traditional genomic prediction methods and deep learning algorithms for genomic prediction of milking refusals (MREF) and milking failures (MFAIL) in North American Holstein cows measured by automatic milking systems (milking robots). A total of 1,993,509 daily records from 4,511 genotyped Holstein cows were collected by 36 milking robot stations. After quality control, 57,600 SNPs were available for the analyses. Four genomic prediction methods were considered: Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), multiple layer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), and GBLUP. We implemented the first 3 methods using the Keras and TensorFlow libraries in Python (v.3.9) but the GBLUP method was implemented using the BLUPF90+ family programs. The accuracy of genomic prediction (mean square error) for MREF and MFAIL was 0.34 (0.08) and 0.27 (0.08) based on LASSO, 0.36 (0.09) and 0.32 (0.09) for MLP, 0.37 (0.08) and 0.30 (0.09) for CNN, and 0.35 (0.09) and 0.31(0.09) based on GBLUP, respectively. Additionally, we observed a lower reranking of top selected individuals based on the MLP versus CNN methods compared with the other approaches for both MREF and MFAIL. Although the deep learning methods showed slightly higher accuracies than GBLUP, the results may not be sufficient to justify their use over traditional methods due to their higher computational demand and the difficulty of performing genomic prediction for nongenotyped individuals using deep learning procedures. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential feasibility of using deep learning methods to enhance genomic prediction accuracy for behavioral traits in livestock. Further research is needed to determine their practical applicability to large dairy cattle breeding programs.
Carlos E.C. Consentini, Leonardo F. Melo, Tattiany Abadia
et al.
ABSTRACT: The present study compared 2 strategies to initiate a progesterone (P4)-based timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol for lactating dairy cows: only GnRH or estradiol benzoate (EB) plus GnRH (EB+GnRH). Lactating Holstein cows (n = 487; 184 primiparous and 303 multiparous) from 2 commercial dairy herds were used for their second or greater services postpartum. Each week, cows that were nonpregnant at the pregnancy diagnosis 32 d after a previous AI were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups that differed only in the strategy to initiate (d 0) the TAI protocol. On d 0, every cow received a 2.0-g P4 implant; in the EB+GnRH group, cows were treated with 2.0 mg i.m. of EB and 16.8 µg i.m. of the GnRH analog buserelin acetate, whereas in the GnRH group, cows received only 16.8 µg i.m. of GnRH. On d 7 after the initial treatment, 0.530 mg i.m. of cloprostenol sodium (PGF) was administered in all cows, followed by a second dose on d 8, concomitant with 1.0 mg i.m. of estradiol cypionate and P4 implant withdrawal. The TAI was performed on d 10 (48 h after P4 device withdrawal) in both experimental groups. Only conventional Holstein semen was used throughout the study. The percentage of cows with corpus luteum (CL) on d 0 (73%) and overall ovulation rate after d 0 (54%) did not differ between groups. The CL regression between d 0 and the first PGF treatment was greater in the EB+GnRH group than the GnRH group (42% vs. 31%). Consequently, the proportion of cows with CL at PGF was greater when only GnRH was used on d 0 compared with EB+GnRH (86% vs. 82%), and the mean number of CL at PGF was greater (1.23 vs. 1.11). The expression of estrus near TAI was greater in GnRH group (84% vs. 77%), and cows showing estrus had greater (44% vs. 10%) pregnancy per AI (P/AI) on d 32 for both treatments. We found no effect of the presence of CL on d 0 or at PGF, nor of ovulation after d 0 or CL regression between d 0 and d 7 on fertility. However, fertility was critically impaired when cows did not have CL at both times, d 0 and at PGF treatment. We did not observe any interaction between treatment and other variables, and the P/AI was similar in cows receiving EB+GnRH or only GnRH on d 0 (37.8% vs. 36.6%). In summary, although there was no detectable difference in P/AI between treatments, this study demonstrated potential negative physiological outcomes caused by EB treatment on d 0 (greater incidence of luteolysis after d 0 and fewer cows with CL at PGF treatment). Overall, we found no benefit of adding EB at the initiation of a P4-based TAI protocol on fertility compared with using GnRH alone, despite differences in ovarian dynamics and expression of estrus.
ABSTRACT: The presence of an autocrine factor in milk that can trigger mammary gland involution was proposed more than 50 yr ago. To provide evidence for the existence of one or more autocrine factors, 10 multiparous cows in late lactation were quarter-milked for 7 d. Following this baseline period, the right front quarter of each cow was left unmilked, and the other quarters were milked for 7 d. Before the last milking of that period, milk (mammary secretions) was collected aseptically from both front quarters. After that milking, 250 mL of the collected samples were infused in the cows' respective rear quarters. No quarters were milked for the following 7 d (milk stasis period), and quarter milking was then resumed in all quarters for the last 7 d of the experiment (remilking period). Quarter milk samples were collected during the baseline period, before the milk stasis period, and during the remilking period. These samples were used for measuring milk components and the concentration of involution markers (SCC, BSA, and lactoferrin). Samples of mammary secretions were collected manually from the quarters during the milk stasis period for involution marker determination. We extracted RNA from samples collected from front quarters before the last milking before the milk stasis period for microRNA (miRNA) determination. As anticipated, the longer milk stasis period implemented for the right front quarter resulted in a more advanced involution than in the left front quarter, based on the concentration of involution markers in the mammary secretions, lower milk production recovery, and changes in milk composition during the remilking period. All 3 involution marker concentrations in the mammary secretions increased in both rear quarters, but were greater in the right quarter secretions than in the left quarter secretions. Resuming milking reinitiated milk production in all quarters, but milk production recovery in the right rear quarters was less robust than that in the left rear quarters (54.3 ± 1.4% vs. 61.6 ± 1.4%, respectively). Milk from the quarters infused with mammary secretions (right rear) had a lower lactose content, but a higher milk protein content and higher SCC than the quarters infused with milk. We detected a total of 359 miRNAs, 76 of which were differentially expressed in milk and mammary secretions. Expression of bta-miR-221 and bta-miR-223 was upregulated in mammary secretions 34- and 40-fold, respectively. The results of the present experiment support the contention that milk stasis leads to the accumulation of one or more factors that trigger involution. The results also indicate that milk stasis leads to changes in the miRNA profile of the milk, but whether such changes are a cause or a consequence of the involution process remains to be established.
Isabela Pérez Núñez, Rommy Díaz, John Quiñones
et al.
Non-bovine dairy animals, commonly referred to as non-traditional dairy species, include goats, sheep, yaks, buffalo, donkeys, alpacas, llamas, and other less commonly farmed species. These animals have been integral to livestock systems since ancient times, providing milk and other essential products. Despite their historical significance, dairy production from many of these species remains predominantly confined to rural areas in developing countries, where scientific advancements and technical improvements are often limited. As a consequence of this, the scientific literature and technological developments in the processing and characterization of dairy products from these species have lagged behind those for cow’s milk. This review aims to compile and analyze existing research on dairy products derived from non-traditional animals, focusing on their molecular characteristics, including proteins (alpha, beta, kappa, and total casein), fats (cholesterol and total fat), lactose, albumin, ash, total solids, and somatic cell count, among others, for each of these species. Additionally, we discuss emerging technologies employed in their processing, encompassing both non-thermal methods (such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, ultrasound processing, UV-C irradiation, gamma radiation, microfiltration, and cold plasma processing) and thermal methods (such as ohmic heating). This review also explores the specific potential applications and challenges of implementing these technologies. By synthesizing recent findings, we aim to stimulate further research into innovative technologies and strategies that can enhance the quality and yield of non-bovine dairy products. Understanding the unique properties of milk from these species may lead to new opportunities for product development, improved processing methods, and increased commercialization in both developing and developed markets.
N. Lopez-Villalobos, J.M.D.R. Jayawardana, L.R. McNaughton
et al.
Twice-a-day (TAD) milking during the whole lactation is practiced in about 55% of New Zealand herds and once-a-day (OAD) milking during the whole lactation in about 10% of herds. The remainder of farmers use a mixture of TAD and OAD. Results from long-term comparisons show that over a full-lactation cows milked OAD, on average, had lower yields of milk (27%), fat (23%), and protein (24%) and higher percentages of fat and protein than cows milked TAD, but cows milked OAD for the entire lactation had better reproductive performance. Herds of cows milked OAD have higher mean 3-wk submission rate, 6-wk in-calf rate, and conception to the first service, and lower not-in-calf rate than the herds of cows milked TAD for the entire lactation. Farmers that have adopted OAD milking have culled cows that are unsuitable for OAD, and used sires selected on a OAD selection index to produce cow replacements that are more suitable for OAD milking. This OAD index includes the same traits that are included in the New Zealand national selection index with different relative economic weights on these traits plus including udder support, front teat placement, milking speed, and body capacity. A pasture-based milk production system based on OAD can be an alternative for many dairy farmers to maintain or increase farm profitability, with the additional benefits of better cow fertility and flexibility of using labor.
The main problem on a global scale is the demand for functional foods among consumers in terms of healthy diets and wellbeing. In this context, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) is a new technology with a variety of potential uses in the food industry, such as the modification of food biopolymer structures to direct their functionalities, the creation of nanoemulsions, the inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes, and the disruption of cells for the extraction of intracellular components. Furthermore, new opportunities for homogenization processing have been opened up by recent developments in high-pressure homogenization technology. This has made it possible to produce novel products that can be recognized from traditional ones by sensory, structural, or functional attributes. The fact that the product experienced heavy mechanical stresses during the process, such as cavitation and shear forces, is the cause of all these consequences. It has been suggested that HPH may have a role in the creation of functional probiotic dairy products and other beverages with enhanced sensory qualities in the functional food industry. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that HPH can change the volatile-molecule profiles of milk and beverages, increase specific cellular enzymatic activities, inhibit microbial growth, strengthen the probiotic properties of bacterial strains, extend shelf-life through microbial inactivation, and extend shelf-life with minimal effects on nutritional value and sensory qualities. Therefore, this review compiles and summarizes the workings, benefits, and applications of HPH in the food industry.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Food processing and manufacture
Abstract Dairy industry generates copious amount of wastewater from its milk processing unit (1–10 m3 of wastewater per m3 of processed milk) which needs to be treated before getting discharged. The conventional treatment processes are tedious, energy intensive, and an additional burden for the dairy industry. This study attempts to develop an alternative strategy to convert the dairy wastewater into liquid biofertilizer. A tailor-made microbial consortium-based biofilm reactor with 8.64 m3 d−1 processing capacity, within 16 h of hydraulic retention time (HRT) at ambient temperature produced biofertilizer containing 96.01 mg L−1 ammonia from dairy wastewater at a flow rate of 360 L h−1 with associated 73.72% nitrate, 72.46% phosphate, 61.30% Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 57.23% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction. A similar system of 10.94 m3 d−1 processing capacity at 456 L h−1 flow rate produced 298.79 mg L−1 ammonia with nitrate, phosphate, BOD and COD reduction of 42.71%, 84.80%, 89.55% and 76.68% respectively. This liquid biofertilizer could enhance grain yield in maize (Zea mays var. Vijay) by 1.19-fold. It increased biomass yield in Sorghum Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) by 3.5-folds and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus var. Dhanitri and var. Krishna) by 2.1 and 2.64 folds respectively. It enhanced gel content in Aloe vera (Aloe elongata var. Ghikuari) by 1.63-folds when compared to chemical fertilizer treatment. This single-step dairy wastewater treatment system requires ten times less energy with the development of a value-added product (biofertilizer). It could make the dairy wastewater management a revenue earning (USD 10.28 d−1 for 600 m3 d−1 processing capacity reactor), eco-friendly, zero discharge process preventing the use of freshwater and chemical fertilizer in agriculture, and saving 89.99% carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq.) gas emission leading to environmental protection.
ABSTRACT: The addition of Bifidobacterium to goat milk has dual effects on health, for which various inherent nutrients of goat milk are retained and live probiotics are provided. We explored the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 (Probio-M8) on fermentation characteristics, formation of organic acid, sensory properties, and storage characteristics of fermented goat milk (with added 4.0% sucrose). Addition of Probio-M8 decreased the fermentation time and significantly increased the content of functional organic acids, such as acetic acid, and functional long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Furthermore, the contents of medium-chain and short-chain fatty acids, which are related to “goaty” flavor, were significantly lower in the Probio-M8 treatment compared with the control. The number of living Probio-M8 decreased from 8.27 log cfu/mL (1.80 × 108 cfu/mL) to 7.94 log cfu/mL (0.79 × 108 cfu/mL) after 28 d of storage. Titratable acidity and pH value did not differ between the control group and experimental group (containing Probio-M8). Sensory evaluation indicated a lower goaty flavor and odor in the Probio-M8 fermented milk. Our results suggest that the addition of the probiotic Probio-M8 could improve the sensory, physicochemical, and functional properties of fermented goat milk.