A comparative gross and lipid composition of Murrah breed of buffalo and cross-bred cow's milk during different lactation stages

A comparative gross and lipid composition of the milk fi om buffalo and dre ss-bred cows, depicted that total lipid contents in buffalo milk are compar atively higher in early, mid lactation and almost two fold in late lactatio n than in cow. The total proteins, lactose and SNF (Solids-not-fat) content s are comparatively higher in buffalo than in cow's milk. The calcium, phos phorus and ash contents are comparatively higher in mid and late lactation than early lactation in both the species. Amongst lipids, triglycerides con stitued the major fraction and phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin are th e major phospholipids followed by phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinosit ol in both the species and remained almost invariable during the whole of l actation period. The short chain fatty acids (C-4 to C-10) are higher durin g mid than early and late lactation wheras total unsaturated fatty acids ar e lower during early and mid lactation than late lactation in both species.