Physicochemical properties and some mineral concentration of milk samples from different animals and altitudes

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the effect of animal origin and altitude on some physicochemical properties of milk and on the concentration of some minerals. The studied parameters were pH, conductivity, specific gravity, moisture, ash, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium, potassium, and calcium. The milk samples were collected from camels (8), goats (5), and sheep (6). The samples were obtained from two altitudes: 14 and 2,110 m above sea level. At the low altitude, the conductivity was significantly different between the milks of the three ruminants and the moisture, TDS, specific gravity, and calcium were significantly different between the camel and sheep milks. Regarding the animals living at the high altitude, the moisture, TDS, specific gravity, and the ash were significantly different between the camel and sheep milks and between the sheep and goat milks. Concerning the effect of altitude on the studied parameters of the milk, it had variable significant effects on the studied parameters according to the animal origin. The animal origin and the altitude had significant effects on the milk conductivity, ash, and specific gravity.