Evaluation of dietary containing tannin for animal performance was very varied. We aimed to investigate the effects of pistachio hull (PH, source of tannin) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) supplementation on milk production and milk composition in early lactation Saanen goats. Nine Saanen dairy goats (average DIM, 71.5 ± 6.5 d; milk production, 1.5 ± 0.25 kg; and live body weight, 45 ± 1.75 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods, including 14 d of adaptation followed by 7 d of sampling. Three treatments were formulated: T1) Control, without PH, T2) 30% PH (DM basis) that provided 18.1 g condense tannin per kg DM of diet and T3) 30% PH + 1% PEG (DM basis). In T2 and T3, PH replaced alfalfa hay. Goats were milked 2 times in day and milk yield was recorded. Milk samples were taken at the 3 last days of sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (P < 0.05). Treatment means were compared using Duncan′s New Multiple Range test. The results showed that milk, fat corrected milk (FCM), and energy corrected milk (ECM) yields together with milk efficiency were not affected by experimental diets. Milk fat, lactose and solids not fat (SNF) percentage were not affected by addition of PH and PEG. Milk protein percentage in T2 in comparison to control was significantly decreased. Fat and protein yield (kg/d) were not affected by the experimental diets. In conclusion, use of tanniniferous sources had no negative effects on milk production and composition of goats except protein percentage that can be compensated partly by addition of PEG. However, goats are able to consume large amounts of tannin-rich plant material in comparison to other ruminant species.

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