Additional proteins in Ganjam goat milk possibly relates to their medicinal value

Ganjam goat milk commonly used in folk medicine contains significantly (P<0.05) higher pH, density, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese and potassium than indigenous sheep and Jersey crossbred cattle. A comparative electrophoretic profile of raw milk protein from Ganjam goat, indigenous sheep and crossbred cattle exhibited 17, 11 and 13 protein bands, respectively. Out of 17 protein fractions of Ganjam goat milk nine were different and six resembled those of sheep and cattle. Precipitated milk showed 13 similar protein fractions of raw milk with loss of four fractions and appearance of two additional fractions during coagulation. Rich source of minerals and unilateral presence of more breed specific unique protein fractions perhaps favour the use of Ganjam goat milk in folk medicine.