Composition Of Goats Research Articles

Adapted goat’s milk formula as an alternative to standard cow’s milk formula in healthy infants and in the presence of symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort

If mothers eat a balanced diet, their breast milk provides their babies with the high-quality nutrients essential for their growth, development and preservation of health. However, the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation finds that the percentage of infants that are breastfed at 3 to 6 months of age is 43.9% and at 6 to 12 months is 39.2%. At the same time, the average duration of exclusive breastfeeding is only 1 month as compared to 6 months recommended by the World Health Organization, predominant breastfeeding duration is 4 months, and the total duration is 10.6 months. There are a number of reasons and circumstances why an infant is deprived of mother’s milk. But the introduction of supplementary feeding or transition of an infant fully to formula feeding should be rigorously justified. The review presents current data on the composition of goat’s milk formula line. It noted its unique physicochemical properties as compared to the standard cow’s milk formulas. The effectiveness and benefits of using a goat’s milk formula have been shown not only in healthy infants, but also in the presence of minimal functional gastrointestinal symptoms. It highlights the features of the unique fat component of the modern goat’s milk formula with DigestX® lipid complex based on a vegetable oil complex using triglycerides of specific structure, which brings the product composition closer to the fatty-acid profile of the breast milk. The article also speaks about the structural individualization of goat milk: the predominance of low-molecular-weight proteins, low or zero levels of αS1-casein, the absence of β-A1-casein, the presence of oligosaccharides and relatively high natural levels of some vitamins and minerals.

Cactus species and tree forage hay in the diet of dairy goats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the association of Opuntia stricta (OS) or Nopalea cochenillifera (NC) with Moringa hay (MY) or Leucaena hay (LY) on nutrient intake, ingestive behavior, serum biochemistry, and milk production and composition of dairy goat. Eight multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average of 68 ± 8 days in milk and 48.5 ± 6kg of initial weight, fed with the following treatment diets: OS + MY; OS + LY; NC + MY, and NC + LY. The treatments were distributed in a double Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two varieties of cactus and two of hay). Goats fed with NC had higher (P < 0.05) intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates. There was no influence (P > 0.05) on milk production, but goats fed with OS produced milk with higher (P < 0.05) fat content and presented higher (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the hay type on the nutrient intake and milk production and composition of goats, but the animals fed with MY had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol levels and greater efficiency of NDF rumination. Goats fed with OS showed greater feeding and rumination efficiency. Our results indicated that both cactus species could be successfully included in the diet of low yielding dairy goats fed 18.4% concentrate.

Effect of the Addition of Moringa Oleifera Leaves on Reproduction, Hematological, Biochemical Parameters, and Milk Yield and Composition of Goats Under Arid Conditions of Siwa Oasis

The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential benefits of supplementing Moringa oleifera leaves on various aspects of Baladi goat health and productivity under arid conditions in Siwa Oasis. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the effects on hematological and biochemical parameters, milk production and composition, and reproduction. A total of 30 healthy Baladi goats, with an average weight of 19.70 ± 0.36 kg, were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the control (C) group, which received a basal diet without Moringa oleifera leaves, and the treatment (T) group, which received the basal diet supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves at a rate of 50 grams/doe/day throughout the experimental period. The findings revealed that feeding goats with Moringa oleifera leaves led to increased milk productivity compared to the control group. Specifically, milk yield and all milk components, except for ash, were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the Moringa-treated group. Moreover, the Moringa group exhibited significantly higher levels of Hb concentration, RBC, PCV, and MCV compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in MCH and MCHC between the two groups. Interestingly, the control group showed a significant increase in WBC compared to the Moringa group. In terms of biochemical parameters, the results demonstrated a decrease in cholesterol and urea concentrations in Baladi goats fed with Moringa oleifera leaves. Conversely, the Moringa group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum total protein, glucose, and albumin compared to the control group. Furthermore, supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaves significantly improved kidding and weaning rates, as well as litter size in Baladi goats and decrease of mortality rates. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating Moringa oleifera leaves into the diets of Baladi goats can enhance reproductive performance, milk production and composition, without any negative effects on the haemato-biochemical profile.

Milk yield, composition and immune status of dairy goats and respective goat kids fed diets with selenium and vitamin E supplementation

This study was carried out to examine the effects of including selenium (Se) and vitamin E (vitE) in diets for goats and their kids on milk yield and composition, and immune status. Twenty-one 1/2 Saanen x Pardo Alpine goat kids (average body weight of 3.70 ± 0.64 kg) were born from fifteen female Saanen goats (non-lactating and primiparous) with an average age of six years and an average initial live weight of 70 ± 10 kg, which had previously been synchronized with the OvSynch protocol. Animals were allocated at random to the treatments in a completely randomized experimental design, with five replicates per diet for goats and seven replicates, for goat kids. Animals were randomly assigned into three groups in the following diets: CON: control basal diet; Se: inclusion of 3.2 mg of Se/kg DM; SevitE: inclusion of 3.2 mg Se / kg DM and 1145 IU / day vitE/kg DM. Milk yield and composition of goats were evaluated only considering the average production of the period, whereas Se in serum, milk and total plasma antioxidant capacity and phagocytosis intensity data were evaluated by time repeated measures. Goats fed CON diet showed higher total dry extract levels in milk than those fed Se diet (P< 0.05). An interaction between diet and time was observed for serum Se concentration in goats (P < 0.01). The Se concentration in milk was higher for goats fed the Se and SevitE than animals fed the CON (P = 0.01). There was only a time effect (P = 0.04) for Se concentrations in milk, and vitE in serum (P < 0.01) and milk (P < 0.01) and TAS (P < 0.01). The concentrations of Se in the blood of goat kids fed the SevitE, and Se diets were higher than animals fed the CON diet (P < 0.01). Diets influenced the Se concentration and phagocytosis intensity, while a time effect was observed on phagocytosis intensity (P < 0.05). A week effect was observed for phagocytosis of E. coli in goats (P = 0.01). For goat kids, a diet effect was observed for phagocytosis of E. coli (P = 0.01) and only the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was not influenced by diets (P = 0.95). The inclusion of Se and vitE or their combination reduces oxidative stress without influencing oxidative stress in neonates fed with milk from goats supplemented with selenium and vitamin E in their diets.

Effects of oil and grape seed tannin extract on intakes, digestibility, milk yield and composition of Saanen goats

An experiment was conducted as a 4×4 Latin square design using 4 lactating Saanen goats, 19 months old and 47.9±1.04 kg of body weight, to evaluate the effect of oil and grape seed tannin extract (GSTE) supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, milk yield and milk composition. Each experimental period lasted for 21 days including 16 days for adjustment and 5 days for sampling. Goats were fed a control diet (Ctrl) consisting of 60% concentrate and 40% fresh Para grass (dry matter, DM, basis) while other 3 treatments were supplementation of 2.5% soybean oil (SO); 2.5% soybean oil + tuna fish oil at 3:2 w:w (SFO); 2.5% soybean oil + tuna fish oil at 3:2 w:w + 0.8% GSTE (OCT). The results showed that oil and GSTE did not affect feed intake, digestibility, milk yield and composition of goats (P &gt; 0.05). However, digestibility of EE was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in SFO and OCT diets (85.4% and 84.7%, respectively) compared with Ctrl (76.2%). Combined data suggested that feeding 2.5% oil blend with or without 0.8% GSTE increased EE digestibility in goats without affecting intake, animal performance and milk composition.

Comparison of nutritional value of different ruminant milks in human nutrition

The present study was conducted on milk samples from 30 Italian Mediterranean buffaloes, and as many goats, sheep and cattle. Milk samples were subjected to chemical‑nutritional analysis and compared with commercially available milk samples. In the experiments, the management conditions could have influenced this parameter, determining the observed values. The higher fat content in sheep's milk differed significantly from that in the milk of the other animals analyzed. A higher lactose content was found in the milk of buffaloes and sheep, than in cows and goats. The highest cholesterol content was observed in cow and buffalo milk. These differences were statistically significant. To avoid excessive cholesterol intake, it is necessary to pay attention to both the quantity and quality of fats contained in food, bearing in mind that the introduction of large quantities of dairy products in the diet can cause a significant intake in cholesterol levels. Furthermore, when selecting the type of milk to be consumed, it is necessary to consider that the amount of total cholesterol is dependent on both the animal of origin and on the integrity of the lipid fraction. To complete the study, a chemical‑nutritional analysis of milk samples normally marketed, both of vegetable and animal origin, was also included. Observing the results, some differences appear evident in the chemical‑nutritional composition of goat and cow milk compared to the raw milk analyzed. In particular, goat's milk has a higher percentage of lipids. However, the differences observed herein were not significant and could be explained by the manufacturing process the samples were subjected to from the stable to the packaging industry. From the results obtained in the present study in the compositional analyses performed, and as also obtained from previous studies, it was found that sheep and goat milk, in particular, may be a valid substitute for cow's milk.

Chemical compositions, contaminants, and residues of organic and conventional goat milk in Bogor District, Indonesia.

Aim:This study aimed to compare chemical composition and contaminants (pesticide residues, antibiotic residues, and heavy metal residues) between organic and conventional goat milk in Bogor District, West Java Province, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:Milk sampling was carried out from March to August 2018 at six goat farms. The chemical quality of milk was checked using the Lactoscan Ultrasonic Milk Analyzer device. Fatty acids were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). Pesticide residues in goat’s milk were analyzed using a GC-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Antibiotic residues were analyzed using bioassay screening test method. The lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) residues were analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS).Results:The content of fat, protein, and lactose showed that there was no difference in the composition of goat’s milk between organic and conventional farms. Caprylic acid (C8:0) and capric acid (C10:0) of organic goat milk are higher than conventional goat milk. Stearic acid (C18:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2) of conventional goat milk are higher than organic goat milk. The total fatty acid of organic goat milk is higher than conventional goat milk. Organochlorine pesticide residues were not detected in organic goat milk and conventional goat milk. Tetracycline antibiotic residues were found in one sample (5.56%) of organic goat milk, and macrolides residues were found in two samples (11.11%) of conventional goat milk. Pb residue in organic goat milk is 50 ppb while conventional goat milk is 80 ppb. Residue As in organic goat milk is 70 ppb while conventional goat milk is 110 ppb.Conclusion:There was no chemical composition (fat, protein, and lactose) difference between organic and conventional goat milk. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) in organic goat milk is higher than conventional goat milk. Pesticide residues are not found in both organic and conventional goat milk. Tetracycline antibiotics were found in organic goat milk and macrolide antibiotic groups found in conventional goat milk. Pb and As residues were found in both organic goat milk and conventional goat milk.

Фізико-хімічний склад козячого молока при дрібнотоварному виробництві в умовах природно-сільськогосподарської зони Степу України

Визначено показники молока кіз у дрібнотоварному виробництві в оптимальних кліматичних умовах Донецько-Дніпровського регіону Лівобережної провінції природно-сільськогосподарської зони Степу України. Згідно з визначенням температурно-вологісного індексу прийнятний для кіз клімат спостерігається із квітня. Середні значення та стандартні відхилення окремих фізико-хімічних параметрів молока місцевих кіз протягом лактації такі: жир 4,32 ± 1,25 %, білок 3,22 ± 0,24&nbsp;%, лактоза 4,78 ± 0,37&nbsp;%, співвідношення жир / білок 1,35 ± 0,42, сухий знежирений молочний залишок 8,67 ± 0,65&nbsp;%, густина 29 ± 3&nbsp;0А, температура замерзання -0,567 ± -0,039&nbsp;0С, електропровідність 4,49 ± 0,47 мС / см, pH 6,73 ± 0,09, кислотність 15,7 ± 1,9&nbsp;0Т. На піку лактації у молоці місцевих кіз виявили зниження вмісту білка та лактози, натомість збільшився жир. Виразність такої диспропорції проявилася в динаміці значень співвідношення жир / білок, сухого знежиреного молочного залишку та густини молока. Тому протягом перших 2–3 місяців лактації, коли молоко фактично являє собою єдине джерело поживних речовин для пластичного та енергетичного обміну козенят, концентрація лактози та білка висока. У віці 3–4 місяців козенятам доводиться задовольняти більшість своїх потреб завдяки власному пошуку корму, саме тому склад козячого молока відображає цей процес формування травної системи молодняку. Зниження депресії молока (вища точка замерзання) під час піку лактації, ймовірно, відображає зміну загальної концентрації осмотично активних речовин, особливо лактози, в цей час. Поступове підвищення електропровідності молока протягом усієї лактації викликане накопиченням електролітів, що надходять із крові тварин. Стабільний pH та кислотність молока підтверджують високу стійкість місцевих тварин до захворювань молочної залози, особливо субклінічного маститу, який спричиняє технологічне навантаження на тварин в умовах інтенсивного виробництва. Наявність 87&nbsp;% загального поголів’я кіз у власності населення як у Дніпропетровській області, так і в цілому по Україні означає, що довго залишатиметься важливим забезпечення належного рівня обслуговування дрібної худоби в окремих селянських господарствах, а не у спеціалізованих підприємствах.

A brief identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Algerian goat’s Jben by MALDI-TOF MS

In this paper, we investigated the lactic acid bacteria’s community of the Algerian goat’s Jben in order to define and preserve it. This cheese variety is only handmade with raw milk, and a dried flower of Cynara cardunculus is used instead of the animal rennet, it is also restricted in sub-Saharan prov-inces in Algeria, and no previous studies on its lactic acid bacteria composi-tion have been performed before. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) procedure was used to identify 36 lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal Jben made from Arabia goat’s raw milk in Naâma (Algeria). The results showed the domination of the Enterococcus genus presents with four species: E. durans, E. faecalis, E. hirae and E. faecium. Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroïdes were also detected. The species identified were favoured by the composition of goat’s raw milk microflora used and the artisanal manufacturing process of the cheese. The use of MALDI-TOF MS method provided us with a rapid diagnosis of the Jben lactic acid bacteria’s community. This method based on microbial abundant proteins fingerprint diagnosis was chosen for its fast, precise, low cost and less complicated analyse.

&lt;b&gt;Methods of body composition estimative of growing goats

The objective of this study was to compare methods for estimative of body composition of goats based on tritiated water space technique (TOH), specific gravity (SG) of carcass and 9-11 th ribs. Ten Toggenburg x Alpine intact male goat kids, from 5.3±0.4 to 25.9±1.3 kg of body weight (BW), were used to estimate body composition by: 1) direct method, 2) TOH method, 3) SG of the carcass and 4) SG of the 9-11 th whole ribs. In addition, update linear equations for predicting body composition were developed using data from direct method. The TOH space overestimated water body composition on average 31%. The SG of the carcass and 9-11 th ribs underestimated water empty body composition (%) on average 21 and 12%, respectively. In spite of its overestimate, the determination of TOH space can be used as a reliable field technique to study relative changes in body composition of growing goats. Specific gravity is practicable in most circumstances and does not require expensive equipment. However, the SG of the carcass and 9-11 th ribs has not a valid equation to predict body composition of growing goats.

Supplemental nutrients increase the consumption of chemically defended shrubs by free-ranging herbivores

Large herbivores are purported to continue consuming toxin-containing forages as long as their capacity to neutralize, detoxify and excrete dietary toxins is not exceeded. This capacity depends on the availability of liver enzymes, energy and amino acid precursors. While this may explain increased intake of toxin-rich forages by herbivores supplemented with nutrients, a different effect may emerge in rangelands dominated by forages that are rich in condensed tannins which are not as degradable and readily absorbable as toxins. In a field experiment, we investigated the effects of supplementing animals with a high-energy source (yellow maize grain) and a high-protein source (soybean meal) on browse intake, foraging behaviour and diet composition of goats in a semi-arid savanna. In line with our prediction, nutrient supplementation increased the percentage time spent by goats on browsing and subsequently enhanced browse intake. Supplemented goats consumed more condensed tannins than goats that were not supplemented. Goats from supplemented groups tended to compose different diets from goats that received no supplement. Supplementation may have modified animals’ requirements for nutrients in ways that influenced feeding behaviour. We contend that supplements likely replaced the nutrients that are routinely bound and rendered indigestible by condensed tannins and thus increased the intake of tannin-rich forages through delaying a negative post-ingestive feedback (aversion) from dietary tannins. In conclusion, we showed that nutrient supplementation can be used to increase defoliation of tannin-rich shrubs by mixed feeders which suggests a potential for browsers and mixed-feeders to serve as biological bush control agents. Furthermore, these results have serious implication for herbivores and the environment.

Biophysical Monitoring on the Effect on Different Composition of Goat and Cow Manure on the Growth Response of Maize to Support Sustainability

Abstract Currently Indonesia has targeted to satisfy the national demand of maize by fulfilling its own production. The policy will benefit the social economy of the local farmers and communities and create a variety of jobs. Attempts in fulfilling demand should uphold production sustainability, even then many indication show declining capability of soil to have increased. Reducing the capability of soil may lead to the reducing of productivity. Many well-documented data show that using organic fertilizer such as manure might improve soil's biological properties as well as its nutrition, production and quality of the obtained maize. Nevertheless, these improvements depend on the chemical composition of the green manures applied to the soil. Manures have different varieties in its chemical composition of nutrition, and heavy metal content depending on the diet. Little attention has been given by farmers on the probability of their plants might be contaminated by lead. Lead has been known to have a detrimental effect on plants. Therefore monitoring the effect is needed. The research was dedicated to participate on the effort of increasing productivity by promoting manure usage such as goat and cow manure on growing maize. Different compositions of goat and cow manure were applied on the soil media growth of maize on the glasshouse. The growth was monitored biophysically by measuring the leaves surface electrical difference and area and observing for signs of chlorosis. Result has shown that the addition of manure on soil has increases leaf area and electrical potential difference compared to the maize grown in a mere soil media. It is concluded that renewable fertilizer such as cow and goat manure was important in increasing plant growth. A composition of 2/3 soil and 1/3 goat manure was optimal for the leaves growth followed by composition of 2/3 soil and 1/3 cow manure. No signs of stress symptoms such as chlorosis were found; meaning that on all compositions of manure used in the research might be safe for plant and soil and pose no threat for human safety. Further monitoring is needed to ensure no lead contamination.

Is Undiluted Goat᾽s Milk Part of your Differential Diagnosis for Neonatal Metabolic Acidosis?

Background: The differential diagnosis of neonatal metabolic acidosis is broad, including, among other things, lactic acidosis, inborn errors of metabolism and renal failure, in addition to diarrhea and renal tubular acidosis. The type of milk given to the newborn is less frequently evoked as a potential cause. Case-diagnosis: We report the case of a 6-day-old baby with severe metabolic acidosis secondary to undiluted goat’s milk. We will review other reported cases and analyse the composition of goat’s milk. Conclusion: When fed with undiluted goat’s milk, neonates, with their immature acid-base regulation capacities, can develop metabolic acidosis secondary to an increased protein load and chloride content. Undiluted goat’s milk should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal metabolic acidosis.

First record of Muellerius capillaris (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae) in northwestern Argentina

Abstract Seven flocks of different composition of goat and/or sheep were evaluated for the presence of Muellerius capillaris (Mueller 1889) in sites of different climatic conditions and under different management practices in northwestern Argentina. The nematode was recovered and identified in four goat flocks and two mixed goat and sheep flocks. Three goat flocks and both mixed goat and sheep flocks were located in Lerma Valley (Salta), with the other goat flock located in Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy). M. capillaris was not detected in the Puna of Jujuy (3500 m a.s.l.). First-stage larvae were recovered from fecal samples using the Baermann technique. Lungs from six goats revealed numerous small pulmonary nodules and areas of emphysema, as well as a small number of M. capillaris adults. This is the first report of M. capillaris in Argentina.

As a Potentially Functional Food: Goats’ Milk and Products

It is important for food materials to be delicious as well as nutritious and natural but, healthy nutrition refers to efficient and balanced nutrition, that is, efficient intake of nutrient elements (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals) for body cells to work smoothly. In the recent years the factors such as the sociological, economic and nutritional value are been significiantly impact on the food industry, as a result of these new foods is produced which has the required properties with health-related and is marketed. The products using goats’ milk are included this new foods. Goats’ milk point of view the nutritional is a valuable dairy product. Goats’ milk production is a dynamic and growing industry that is fundamental to the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is an important part of the economy in many countries. Thus, the lack of at industrial scale increasing the use of goats’ milk will be encouraged to more consumption by the community. The aim of the present review is focus on quality and the composition of goats’ milk, discuss specialty products made from goats’ milk around the world, the importance of goats’ milk and usage of goats’ milk in food industry were examined.

Evaluation of long-chain alcohols as diet composition markers in goats grazing heathland areas

An experiment was conducted to assess the potential of long-chain alcohols (LCOH), in alternative or combined with alkanes and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), as faecal markers to estimate the diet composition of goats grazing heathland vegetation with associated improved pastures. A total of seven diets were offered across the grazing season. The diets were composed of mixtures of herb species (Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens) and woody species (Erica spp., Calluna vulgaris and Ulex gallii) in an attempt to simulate diet selection of goats on these complex vegetation areas. The diet composition was estimated using LCOH markers alone or combined with alkanes, LCFA and alkanes+LCFA, by least square optimization procedures. The data showed large differences between plant species in their LCOH profile. Generally, plant species showed higher LCOH concentrations than those of alkanes and lower than LCFA markers. Faecal recovery of LCOH was incomplete and increased in a linear manner (P < 0.001) with the carbon-chain length, and was influenced by diet composition and its digestibility. The diet composition estimates based on LCOH alone were more accurate (P < 0.05) than those using alkanes or LCFA alone. Results showed that the combination of LCOH with alkanes, LCFA and alkanes+LCFA resulted in more accurate (P < 0.05) estimates of diet composition, indicating that LCOH provided different discriminatory information to that of alkanes and LCFA, helping in the discrimination of the plant species used in this experiment. Results indicate that correction of faecal LCOH concentrations to incomplete faecal recovery is necessary to obtain more accurate estimates of diet composition. Nevertheless, it seemed that the use of a less accurate recovery correction on LCOH markers had a lower impact on the accuracy of estimates than that of alkanes and LCFA.

Influence of diet and rennet on the composition of goats' milk and cheese.

Dry matter, protein, fat, pH, mineral (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn and Se) concentrations were determined in samples of goats' milk and in fresh, semi-hard and hard cheeses to study the effect of the goats' diet and the type of rennet used for the cheese processing of the Palmero Protected Designation of Origin cheeses. Two groups of 20 Palmero goats were fed 2 different diets: a Palmero diet (PD supplied by native forages adapted to subhumid areas, which had a high ratio of long fibre to concentrates (65:35), and an actual diet (AD), the most commonly used by goat farmers, with a low ratio of long fibre to concentrates (35:65). In general, the cheese samples from goats fed with PD had higher mean Ca, Zn, Cu and Se concentrations than the samples obtained from AD fed goats. The diet exhibited a greater influence on the chemical composition of the cheeses than the rennet used in their production. Applying a stepwise linear discriminant analysis a complete percentage of correct classifications of the three types of cheeses according to the diet of the goats was observed.

Composition of goat and cow milk produced under similar conditions and analyzed by identical methodology

The aim of this study was to identify, under the best possible conditions, the interspecific differences between the proteins, fat and minerals in goat and cow milk. The protein fractions presented evident differences, especially concerning the amount of α S1-casein, which was lower in the goat milk (62.8%; P < 0.05). The amino acid profile of the two proteins revealed certain differences, although the total quantity of essential amino acids did not vary ( P > 0.05). The composition of fats was well-differentiated, mainly as concerns the content of medium-chain fatty acids (C6–14), which were higher in the goat milk (28.8%; P < 0.05). The same was true for n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (10.0%; P < 0.05) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (51.0%; P < 0.05), and also the total level of conjugated linoleic acid (33.8%; P < 0.05). The quantities of Ca, P, Mg and Cu were greater in the ash derived from goat milk (17.4, 15.6, 16.3 and 66.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). Due to the greater quantity of total solids present in goat milk (16.3%; P < 0.05), all of the above-mentioned differences would be considerably increased by the fact that they refer to the amounts present in a given volume. The differences detected between cow and goat milk mean that the latter constitutes a food of particular interest, in terms of both health and nutrition.

Composition of goat and sheep milk products: An update

The aim of this study is to update the values concerning nutritional components for sheep and goat dairy products. The bibliography examines first the main biochemical constituents of sheep and goat milk products but also the more specific components with potential nutritional impact and lastly it gathers information on the relationship between cheese and milk compositions and the impact of technologies. Since the composition of French small ruminant cheeses is not well established, with composition tables being old and lacking information, recent studies have been conducted in France to investigate the nutritional characteristics of sheep and goat milks and cheeses on a large scale. Goat milk cheese sampling was representative of French production, taking into account the variability linked to geographic origin, dairy or on-farm transformation and type of cheeses. Fresh lactic cheeses made with raw (6 samples) or pasteurised (6) milk, ripened lactic cheeses made with raw (11) or pasteurised (6) milk, spreads (4), soft ripened cheeses (6 “Chèvre Boite or “Brique” type cheeses) and 4 bulk raw milks were sampled twice in a summer–autumn period. These 86 samples were analysed for their nutritional value. The impact of the technological process was assessed with, for example, its effect on mineral and vitamin B content. With respect to sheep, 5 representative samples of milk were collected, just before cheese making, in the 3 main French traditional areas of dairy sheep production. The sampling was carried out 4 times in the year. The objective was to explore the variability of the nutritional characteristics of the original milk. The cheeses made with these milks were analysed after ripening with a double objective: to specify their nutritional content and to assess the relationship between milk and cheese content. Some preliminary results are given concerning fatty acids.

Characteristics of Milk, Cheddar-Like and White Cheese Obtained from Three Goat Phenotypes during Three Lactation Periods

Goat's milk from three phenotypes: Shami, Local, and Mixed was collected during three lactation periods in 2002. The milk was analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, ash, and lactose content. Also milk was examined for yeast, mold and bacterial content. Cheddar and white cheese were manufactured from goat's bulk milk and examined for chemical composition and evaluated for color, taste and flavor, appearance, and texture and aroma. Results showed that the chemical composition of goat's milk varied significantly during the whole year and also among the three goat phenotypes. Local goats produced milk at the first lactation period with highest (44.6%) fat content: the lowest fat content was 29.8% for the Mixed color phenotype at the end of the year. Protein showed the same trend. Shami goat produced milk lower in lactose and ash content than the mixed color breed, whereas the Local (black) produced milk having intermediate content of lactose and ash. Cheddar and white cheese were highly acceptable. Their composition varied—cheddar cheese was higher in protein and NSF but slightly lower in fat content. White cheese retained more lactose. Goat's milk of Shami, Local (black) and Mixed color phenotypes were found to be highly contaminated with bacteria and mold due to lack of hygiene. Milk contained low number of pathogenic bacteria. Using a pasteurization temperature at 73°C for 16 seconds was found to eliminate them.