Chemical composition and microbiological quality of ewe and goat milk of native Greek breeds

Chemical and microbiological characteristics of ewe milk of Boutsiko and Karamaniko breeds and goat milk of the indigenous Greek breed (Capra prisca) were determined. No significant differences were observed for fat, protein, lactose, casein and solids-non-fat contents of ewe milk of both breeds. The microbiological quality of ewe milk of both breeds was, generally, better than that of goat milk. The mean content of vitamin A was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in ewe milk of Boutsiko than in Karamaniko breed, while no significant differences were found for vitamins E and C contents between the two breeds of ewe milk. Goat milk had lower content of vitamins A and E than ewe milk of both breeds but the vitamin C content was about the same in ewe and goat milk. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in ewe milk of both breeds while palmitic acid was the major fatty acid in goat milk. Butyric, stearic and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) contents of ewe milk of Boutsiko breed were higher than those of Karamaniko breed. Goat milk had lower contents of CLA and higher quantities of lauric and stearic acids than ewe milk of both breeds.