Distribution of protein fraction in the milk of West African dwarf goat

Milks from lactating West African dwarf goat and white Fulani cow were analysed for total protein, casein, whey protein, non protein nitrogen, Globulin and albumin and proteose peptone contents. Milk samples were from healthy goats and cows (n=24) in mid-lactation. The data were grouped and analysed as treatment 1 (Goat milk) and treatment 2 (cow milk). The average casein nitrogen, globulin and albumin, non-protein in nitrogen, whey nitrogen and proteose peptone were 0.4034, 0.0574, 0.0563, 0.0225 and 0.0225g/ 100ml for goat milk respectively and 0.414, 0.0572, 0.030, 0.0212 and 0.0219 g/ 100ml for cow milk respectively. In total nitrogen (g/100ml) goat milk ranked 0.56 to 0.54 cow milk. Goat milk also ranked higher in casein nitrogen, protein nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen. Milk differed also in the casein number with higher casein number reported for cow milk. This study revealed the protein fraction of West African dwarf goat milk with special attention on the whey nitrogen since milk supplied to the market in Nigeria is intended for fluid consumption due to little or no cheese industry.