Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Milk Samples Collected from Five Goat Breeds in Malaysia

Abstract

Five different goat breeds (<em>Saanen</em>, <em>Kacang</em>, <em>Jamnapari</em>, <em>Boer</em> and a crossbred of <em>Jamnapari</em> and <em>Saanen</em>) were obtained from one farm in Bandar Baru Bangi. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity based on TPC, FRAP and DPPH. Goat milk samples were collected during the same lactation period (middle lactation) and were subsequently compared with cow milk. The results of the study showed that goat milk exhibited a significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant capacity than cow milk. <em>Jamnapari</em> milk exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in Total Phenol Content (TPC), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays with values of 544.08 mg GA/100 g FW, 481.69 mg TE/100 g FW and 67.44%, respectively. By contrast, the milk samples obtained from the Boer exhibited the lowest corresponding values of 460.00 mg GA/100 g FW, 386.06 mg TE/100 g FW and 59.68%, respectively. Results showed that physicochemical properties were significantly different (p<0.05) among the milk samples, with some samples more superior compared with others in one or more aspects. <em>Jamnapari</em> milk was superior in terms of ash, total soluble solid and protein with values of 0.96%, 13.02 Brix and 5.11%, respectively and this milk also showed the lowest moisture (81.28%) among all milk samples. Cow milk exhibited the highest fat (4.43%) and <em>Kacang</em> milk had the lowest titratable acidity (0.06%) than the other milk samples. Thus, goat milk can be considered as an excellence source of antioxidants.