Abstract
In this study, the content of vitamins and of toxic and beneficial (macro- and micro-) minerals in milk from yaks raised at different altitudes (3,215, 4,340, and 5,410 m) was investigated. For comparison, the components in cow's milk were also measured. At higher altitudes, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in vitamin A and vitamin E was observed in the yak's milk, whereas the opposite was observed for vitamin B1 and vitamin B2. No significant statistical difference in vitamin C, Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg concentrations was observed in milk from yaks raised at different altitudes. The concentrations of Zn in milk from yaks raised at different altitudes showed no statistical difference, whereas the Mn and Fe concentrations in milk from yaks raised at 3,215 m were lower than those raised at higher altitudes. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in yak's milk did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations (Codex Alimentarius Commission), whereas their concentrations were higher in milk from yaks raised at 3,215 m than at higher altitudes. These findings indicated that the contents of vitamins and minerals in yak milk varied in different altitudes.
Highlights
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique large ruminant livestock in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area, which has an altitude of 3,000 to 6,000 m and is located in western China
The concentration of Zn in milk from yaks raised at different altitudes showed no statistical difference, whereas the Mn and Fe concentrations in milk from yaks raised at 3,215 m were lower than those raised at higher altitudes
Significantly higher vitamin A and vitamin E content was observed in yak’s milk, whereas the opposite was observed for vitamin B1 and vitamin B2
Summary
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique large ruminant livestock in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area, which has an altitude of 3,000 to 6,000 m and is located in western China. Yak’s milk is richer than cow’s milk in the content of proteins, fat, and total solids; is easier to digest; and has lower allergenicity [3, 4]. It is virtually the sole source of milk in the QinghaiTibet Plateau area. Little information is available on the minor constituents of yak’s milk, mainly vitamins and minerals [9]. These two minor constituents play important roles in the physiological development of humans
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