The sustainability challenge to the dairy sector – The growing importance of non-cattle milk production worldwide

Globally, 16.9% of milk consumed by humans comes from species other than cattle. Non-cattle milk is linked more to territories than cows’ milk: sheep in the Mediterranean basin, horse in Central Asia, yak in Himalayas, camel in desert regions. These links contribute to the building of dairy ecosystems including specific dairy species, traditional products, farmer know-how, landscape maintenance, cultural activities, market sector and identity markers. According to the variability of milk composition, nutritional and medicinal properties (true or postulated) could be potentially an important added value for producers and dairy sector. Most of non-cattle milk production occurs in emerging or developing countries where population growth and protein demand are increasing. It is not necessary to adapt the western model for intensive dairy production (Holstein-soya-silage) – non-cattle dairy systems, whether intensive or not, appear to be a sustainable alternative to meet the increasing demand both in terms of quantity and quality.