A review on nutritional advantages and nutraceutical properties of cow and goat milk

Abstract

Milk is considered a wholesome food and is largely consumed globally. The bovine and caprine are the foremost source of milk, which also played a noteworthy role in the social-economic development of both developed and under-developed countries. The composition of milk significantly depends upon the environmental conditions, genetics, type of breed, and other internal and external factors. The protein, carbohydrate, lipid and vitamin and mineral content together makes milk into a wholesome nutritious fluid. Bovine milk is majorly consumed among milk from other species. On the other hand, the goats or caprine were the first domesticated animals by humans which also regard as “poor man cow”. Milk of both varieties is highly nutritious and have potential benefits. The amount of water in the milk of both varieties is somewhat similar while on the other hand cow milk have a comparatively higher carbohydrate content than goat milk. The casein and whey protein (WPs) ratio in cow and goat milk is almost similar i.e., 80:20. Lipid content is an essential factor that regulates the physical and sensory values of milk. Goat milk is known for its better digestibility as compared to cow milk due to the existence of small-sized lipid globules. The poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in goat milk account for their anti-cancerous properties. In the context of the bioavailability of minerals, goat milk is preferred and high levels of vitamin A is also recorded in goat milk. It has lesser content of vitamin B9, B12 and vitamin E than cow milk. Emerging evidence from the scientific research suggests that both goat and cow are comprised of an adequate number of bioactive constituents viz immunoglobins, lactoferrin, lysozyme and others that offer the medical application in the prevention and pre-treatment of numerous ailments.