Comparative Nutritional and Antioxidant Quality of Milk from Indigenous Cattle and Buffalo Breeds in India

Abstract

Aims: The milk quality traits have recently become more relevant because of increased consumer awareness and processing suitability, influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Thus the current study aimed to compare the milk composition and antioxidant stability of different indigenous breeds of Cattle and buffaloes. Place and Duration of Study: The animals were housed at National Kamadhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC), Chintaladeevi and the analysis of samples was carried out at department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVSc, S.V.V.U, Tirupati, and Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: A total of 88 milk samples (8 from each breed-Kangayam, Deoni, Gir, Kankrej, Ongole & Tharparkar; Murrah, Banni, Jaffarabadi, Mehasana & Pandharpuri) were collected from animal in mid lactation and transported to laboratory under refrigerated conditions. The percent fat, protein, lactose and SNF of milk was measured using automatic analyser, Milkoscan Minor 4. Malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and Total antioxidant Capacity (DCPIP & DPPH) of milk samples were measured using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The resulting data was analysed statistically. Results: The current investigation revealed a significantly highest fat content in Gir milk and Pandharpuri milk, lowest fat percentage in Deoni milk and Jaffarabadi milk among the cattle and buffalo breeds respectively. Kankrej milk recorded significantly highest lactose and protein content while Gir milk showed lowest lactose, protein among cattle breeds.  Milk from Murrah buffalo breed showed the highest lactose % and SNF % compared to other buffalo breeds while Protein % was highest in Jaffarabadi milk. Highest Antioxidant activity and lowest MDA levels were recorded in Gir milk as against lowest antioxidant activity and highest MDA levels in Ongole milk among cattle. In buffaloes, TAC & DPPH activity was lowest and MDA level was highest in Jaffarabadi milk. Conclusion: The distinct composition and antioxidant activity of each breed reveals the breed influence on milk quality.