A comparative gross and lipid composition of Murrah breed of buffalo and cross-bred cow's milk during different lactation stages

Abstract

A comparative gross and lipid composition of the milk from buffalo and cross-bred cows, depicted that total lipid contents in buffalo milk are comparatively higher in early, mid lactation and almost two fold in late lactation than in cow. The total proteins, lactose and SNF (Solids-not-fat) Contents are comparatively higher in buffalo than in cow's milk. The calcium, phosphorus and ash Contents are comparatively higher in mid and late lactation than early lactation in both the species. Amongst lipids, triglycerides constitued the major fraction and phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are the major phospholipids followed by phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol in both the species and remained almost invariable during the whole of lactation period. The short chain fatty aeids (C4 to C10) are higher during mid than early and late lactation wheras total unsaturated fatty acids are lower during early and mid lactation than late lactation in both species.