In this study, it was aimed to report some traits of Gökçeada goats, which raised under the natural conditions of Gökçeada, with respect to their protection within the scope of genetic resources. In this respect the information obtained from the goats supplied from the Island and reared in a semi-intensive system at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and also the information obtained from the literature were collected and the biological and zootechnical identifications of the Gökçeada goat were performed. Gökçeada goats, which are predominantly black, have yellow or red blazes on both sides of their heads including their eyes. It was seen that Gökçeada goats had similar body measurements and lower live weights as compared to those of the same species on the mainland. The birth weight and the mature live weight of Gökçeada goats were found as 2.55 kg and 38 kg, respectively, whereas their mean kid yield per goat at birth was determined as 1.6 to 1.8 kids. Individuals with a milk yield of 591 kg were striking in the Gökçeada genotype, in which the mean lactation length and the mean lactation milk yield were determined as 251 to 259 days and 227 to 245 kg, respectively. Its milk fat (4.92-5.75%) and milk protein (3.29%) resembled those of our other native breeds. It is necessary to reveal, with more elaborate studies, the potential for Gökçeada goat cheese that is greatly demanded on the Island. It was determined that the Gökçeada kids, which were considered as dairy kids, had some small but nonfat carcass and that their meat was soft and of a light color and had a slight smell. One should be careful about the adaptation of the Gökçeada genotype, which successfully maintains itself under the island conditions and which is the source of income for producers, to intensive and extensive goat production systems.

Despite positive effects on nutrition, it has been reported that milk causes allergic reactions and many health problems. Allergic reaction to milk is called lactose intolerance, but it is estimated that this is not caused by lactose, but by the β -casein structure of milk, which varies depending on animal species. Although there are many fractions of β-casein in the structure of milk, especially A1 and A2 casein attract attention. A1 β -casein causes many health problems because it plays a role in the formation of the bioactive opioid peptide β-casomorphin-7 (β-CM-7). These health problems are allergic reactions, weakening of the immune system and slowing down of the gastro-intestinal system and some systemic diseases (cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, autism, schizophrenia). The underdevelopment of gastro-intestinal system, especially in newborns, causes us to encounter these health problems more frequently. For this reason, the consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein, especially cow’s milk from culture breeds, is not recommended. Since BKM-7 (β-casomorphin-7) formed by A1 β-casein cannot occur in A2 β-casein, these health problems cannot be expected to be observed. However, A2 β-casein causes DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) enzymes to be regulated in the body and a non-opioid effect is observed. It is recommended to consume goat’s milk and dairy products containing A2 β-casein in newborns, people with celiac disease and stomach disorders. Despite the lack of studies on the subject of A1 and A2 β-casein and the ongoing discussions, in this review, the importance and differences of A1 and A2 β-caseins in cow and goat milk were discussed and their effects on human health.

Recent years, the increased consumer awareness on healthy food consumption and interest on traditional foods has affected goat milk and goat milk products demand positively. In this study it is aimed to identified the consumer behaviour and consumption tendencies on goat milk and goat milk products. In this context, it was designed a face-to-face survey and conducted to 518 individuals in the two south-east located cities of Turkey, Adana and Mersin. The results show that, almost 50% of the customers are consuming goat milk and its products in different forms. It is also determined that, price, health, nutrition value, digestion convenience and availability are the most effective factors on goat milk and its products consumption and purchase behaviour. Within the goat milk products, consumers are mostly preferring to consume goat cheese and they are mainly using supermarkets as the place of purchase.