Traditional and commercial dairy products from yak, camel, zebu-brahma, mithun, reindeer and sow - A review on current research status

Abstract

Dairy cows are economically important cattle with substantially high productivity and milk yield. However, in addition to dairy cows, many other minor dairy animals hold local importance owing to their specific characteristics, such as yak, camel, zebu-brahman, mithun, reindeer, and pig. The increasing demand for milk, driven by population growth, encourages the development and study of alternatives to cow milk. Owing to the unique characteristics associated with distribution areas, milking technology of livestock systems, and optimisation of milk production, extensive research should be undertaken regarding production, breeding, milk quality, and milk yield. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of milk and milk products derived from various animals, such as yak, camel, zebu-brahman, mithun, reindeer, and pig, and compare them with dairy cow milk and its products.