Comparative assessment of milk profile & yield in indigenous and milch breeds

Abstract:

This study evaluates the nutritional profiles and production capacities of prominent Indian livestock, comparing indigenous Bihar breeds (Bechaur cattle, Diara buffalo, and Black Bengal goat) against established high-yield milch breed (Gir cattle, Murrah buffalo, and Jamunapari goat). Analysis of fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat (SNF), total solids (TS), and caloric density reveals significant inter-species and intra-species variations (P <0.001). While high-productivity breeds like the Murrah buffalo and Gir cow consistently demonstrate superior milk yields, indigenous Bihar breeds frequently exhibit higher concentrations of specific nutrients, such as the elevated fat and protein levels found in Black Bengal goats and Bechaur cattle compared to their counterparts. Murrah buffalo milk recorded the highest caloric value (109.68 ± 1.12 kcal/100g) and total solids (17.96 ± 0.06%), whereas indigenous species maintained competitive nutritional benchmarks despite lower daily yields. These findings highlight the trade-offs between volume and nutrient density, emphasizing the specialized value of indigenous germplasm in sustainable dairy frameworks.