Changes in the distribution of minerals in skim goats' milk by high pressur
e (400 MPa) and/or heat (85 degrees C for 30 min) treatment have been studi
ed. Heat treatment caused reduced solubility of the calcium, magnesium and
phosphorus, and this increased with the severity of heating. In contrast, h
igh pressure released different. levels of micellar elements into the solub
le phase without causing appreciable changes in pH or ionic calcium concent
ration. The levels of soluble salts returned to their original values when
the heated samples were subjected to high pressure. However, heating pressu
rized milk resulted in concentrations of soluble minerals that were lower t
han in control milks, and close to values found in heated milks. The salt b
alance in goats' milk was less affected by high pressure treatment at 75 de
grees C than was that of cows' milk. These results are discussed in relatio
n to the effects of high pressure and heat treatment on mineral equilibrium
and micellar structure.