Comparative analysis of minerals and lactose composition of milk from various mammalian sources

Abstract

Milk is a vital dietary staple for many animals, providing essential nutrients in precise proportions crucial for the neonatal stages of numerous mammals. Both adult humans and their infants rely on milk as a primary source of nutrients. This study aimed to compare the mineral and lactose composition of milk from sheep, goats, cows, and pigs. Raw milk samples from these animals were collected from various local farmers into sterilized bottles and preserved in a refrigerator before laboratory analysis. Standard methods were employed to determine the mineral and lactose composition of the milk samples. The results showed that potassium levels in domestic sheep, red Sokoto goats, and pigs were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in white Fulani cows, with calcium being highest in domestic sheep. Magnesium content was lowest in pig milk and highest in red Sokoto goat milk, while domestic sheep and white Fulani cows showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Additionally, red Sokoto goat milk had the highest zinc levels and significantly higher (P<0.05) iron content than other sources, while domestic sheep milk had the highest cobalt concentration and the lowest iron levels among the groups. Furthermore, lactose content was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Fulani cow milk than in sheep, goat, and pig milk, with pig milk containing the least amount. Overall, the diverse nutritional profiles observed in the milk of different animals suggest that these alternative milk sources could be explored further to reduce reliance on cows and better meet the dairy needs of the populace.