Summary
This comparative analysis examined physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and microbiological safety across milk from four ruminant species (cattle, sheep, goats, camels) sampled over a 10-month period. The study identified species-specific nutritional signatures—notably elevated saturated fatty acids in sheep milk, capric acid prominence in goat milk, and unsaturated fatty acid enrichment in camel milk—alongside distinct mineral profiles. Findings provide empirical data to support dairy formulation strategies and animal feeding optimisation tailored to species-specific milk composition.
UK applicability
The UK dairy industry is predominantly cattle-based with emerging interest in sheep and goat dairy. These findings on inter-species milk composition differences may inform niche dairy product development and animal nutrition strategies, though direct applicability is limited as the study was conducted in an arid/semi-arid climate with different herd management and feeding systems than typical UK conditions.
Key measures
pH, fat content, acidity (°D), density (kg/L), total dry extract (g/L), mineral composition (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron), fatty acid profiles (butyric, capric, oleic, α-linolenic, γ-linolenic acids) by GC/MS, microbial contamination testing
Outcomes reported
The study compared pH, fat content, acidity, density, mineral composition, and fatty acid profiles across milk from cattle, sheep, goats, and camels (30 samples per species). Significant inter-species differences were identified, with distinct fatty acid signatures and mineral concentrations, all samples confirmed microbiologically safe.
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