Review on the Composition of Milk of Different Farm Animal

Abstract

Milk is a key contributor to improving nutrition and food security particularly in developing countries. Milk composition of mammalian species varies widely with reference to genetic, physiological, nutritional factors and environmental conditions. It is necessary to know the maximum value addition in the dairy food chain as the nutrient, to not only determine the dietary value of milk for human consumption, but also help to define market strategy for various classes of consumer like; growing children, nursing mothers, young people involved in hard jobs or elderly people. The use of cow, camel, goat, buffalo milk gained worldwide acceptance and importance throughout the world, while consumption of mare milk popular only in Western Europe. Goat milk prescribed by many doctors for children, who are sensitive to cow milk, and is an alternative for people who are allergic to cow milk. Goat milk is very useful for people suffering from problems such as acidity, eczema, asthma, migraine, colitis, stomach ulcer, digestive disorder, liver and gallbladder diseases and stress-related symptoms such as insomnia, constipation and neurotic indigestion. For some people with digestive difficulties, goat’s milk can be easily digested. Camel milk is an important source of proteins for the people living in the arid lands of the world camel milk is considered to have anti-cancer, hypo-allergenic and anti- diabetic properties. Buffalo milk is a natural product that can be consumed like any other milk. It is one of the richest products from a compositional point of view and characterized by higher fat, total solids, proteins, caseins, and lactose and ash contents than cow, goat, camel and human milk. The major constituents of buffalo milk are higher in concentration than that of human, cow, goat and camel milk with respect to nutritional values. In addition to its advantage as a rich source of nutrients, a recent study indicated that subjects with cow milk allergy are able to tolerate buffalo milk. Therefore, this review is aimed to explore composition of milk of farm animals and to make awareness on availability of different sources of milks.