**Background:** Alternative feed additives such as organic acids (OA) and pure botanicals (PB) are being explored as replacements for antibiotics in livestock nutrition to improve sustainability. A specific microencapsulated mixture of citric acid, sorbic acid, thymol, and vanillin (OA/PB) has shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects in pigs and poultry, but had never been evaluated in dairy goats. This study aimed to assess the effects of OA/PB supplementation on metabolic status and milk parameters in mid–late lactating dairy goats.
**Methods:** Eighty clinically healthy Saanen goats in mid–late lactation (110 days in milk, mean BCS 3.4 ± 0.03) were randomly assigned to a control group (CRT; n = 40) fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) or a treatment group (TRT; n = 40) fed TMR supplemented with 10 g/head/day of OA/PB for 54 days during summer (July–August). The OA/PB product contained 16.7% sorbic acid, 25% citric acid, 1.7% thymol, and 1% vanillin in a hydrogenated fat matrix. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was recorded hourly. Blood and milk samples were collected at T0, T27, and T54. Hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, MCV, HCT, MCH, MCHC, PLT, MPV, WBC differential counts) were analyzed using an automated analyzer, and hematochemical parameters (TP, AST, ALT, CREA, BUN) were measured via photometry. Milk composition (fat, protein, casein, lactose, urea, SCC, fat-free DM) and milk coagulation index (MCI) were determined using a MilkoScan. Bacteriological analysis was performed on three agar media. A linear mixed model was used with diet, time, and their interaction as fixed effects and goat as random variable, with T0 data as covariate.
**Key Results:** The mean THI was 73.5 ± 3.83, indicating no heat stress. All goats remained healthy. Blood parameters fell within normal ranges for goats. OA/PB supplementation significantly increased milk fat content (p = 0.04), with TRT showing higher values than CRT at T27 (2.56% vs. 2.12%) and T54 (2.24% vs. 2.04%). The milk coagulation index was significantly higher in TRT at T54 (75.6% vs. 75.1%; p = 0.03 for diet effect; p = 0.02 for diet×time interaction). Several hematological differences were observed: EOS and PLT were higher in CRT (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively); RBC, Hb, MCH, MCHC, and HCT were lower in TRT but within physiological ranges. CREA was lower in TRT (p = 0.01), and TP was higher in CRT (p = 0.01). No differences were found in milk yield, total protein, casein, SCC, or bacteriological contamination between groups.
**Clinical Implications:** This first study of OA/PB supplementation in dairy goats demonstrates that the additive is safe and does not negatively affect metabolic status. The increase in milk fat content and MCI are favorable for the dairy industry, particularly for cheese production, as goat milk is primarily used for cheesemaking. The lower CREA levels in treated goats suggest a potential beneficial effect on renal function that warrants further investigation. The mechanism of action remains unclear, as the microencapsulated product is designed to be rumen-protected, but may influence gut health and intestinal barrier integrity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mode of action, particularly effects on gut microbiota and nitrogen utilization efficiency.