Overview

Milk is a nutrient-rich liquid produced by female mammals to nourish their offspring. It is considered a complete food for newborns, as it provides all the essential nutrients required for growth and development (Aneja et al., 2002). Milk is secreted by the mammary glands and is available in various forms, including human milk, cow milk, goat milk, sheep milk, and buffalo milk (Bin et al., 2003). Milk contains a complex mixture of nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Its composition varies according to species, stage of lactation, and individual factors (Ballard and Morrow, 2013). The primary constituents of milk include water, lactose (milk sugar), and proteins, mainly casein and whey. Fat is another major component, contributing to the characteristic taste, texture, and energy value of milk (Manzoni et al., 2019). Milk offers several health benefits, including support for bone health, reduction in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and assistance in weight management. It is also an important source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium. Milk serves as the primary source of nutrition for mammalian young, supplying the energy and nutrients necessary for proper growth and development. Human milk, in particular, is uniquely adapted to meet the nutritional requirements of human infants, as it contains bioactive compounds, growth factors, and immune-supporting components essential for brain development and immune function (Butte et al., 2004). While human milk is the optimal nutrition for infants, milk from other mammals is widely consumed by humans or used in the production of dairy products (Jeurink et al., 2013). However, the nutritional composition of milk differs significantly across mammalian species. For instance, human milk contains lower protein and mineral content but higher lactose and fat levels compared to cow's milk. Additionally, the amino acid composition of cow's milk proteins differs from that of human milk proteins. Such variations may influence the suitability of different types of milk for specific age groups and health conditions (Bertino et al., 2013). Therefore, understanding the nutritional differences among various mammalian milks can aid in making informed dietary choices (Chandan et al., 2008).

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