THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CAMEL'S AND SHEEP'S MILK IN QENA GOVERNORATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate some physical properties and chemical composition of some lactating animals in Qena governorate, Egypt. Composite samples of camels' and sheep's (Ossimi breed) milks were collected from twelve individual farms in Qena. Physical parameter used to monitor the quality of milk samples was specific gravity. The samples were also analysed for the gross chemical composition, fatty acids composition of milk fat and minerals contents. Sheep's milk has higher specific gravity than Camel milk and the contents of fat, protein, lactose, ash and total solids in sheep's milk were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than camel milk. Fatty acid composition of camel milk fat differed significantly (p < 0.05) from that of sheep " ossimi " milk fat analysed, it contained higher content of (C16:0, C16:1, C18:0 and C18:2) than sheep " ossimi " milk fat, while, sheep " ossimi " milk fat were significantly (p < 0.05) higher of (C6:0 – C12:0) and (C18:1) than camel milk fats. The levels of Ca, P and K in the sheep " ossimi " milk ash were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the camel milk ash, while, the level of Na and Fe in the camel milk ash were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the sheep " ossimi " milks ash.