Goat's milk, although it is not popular in the United States, is one of the more popular types of milk in the world. Due to its lack of popularity in the United States, goat's milk can be more expensive than cow's milk, but it has great health benefits. Unlike goat's cheese, goat's milk does not have a strong flavor, but more of a subtle sweet taste.
History
Although there are over 200 breeds of goats worldwide, there are approximately 6 breeds of goats that are best used for dairy. The other purpose of a goat is for meat.
Considerations
The two main differences, physically, between a dairy goat and dairy cow are the dairy goats' feces are not as liquid based, and their udders are placed more forward. This reduces the amount of dirt, feces and bacteria in goat's milk.
Features
Goat's milk, like cow's milk, still has lactose in it, but because of a different protein makeup, approximately 40 percent of people that are lactose intolerant can drink goat's milk.
Fun Fact
A goat can produce 6 to 8 lbs. of milk a day while lactating. Goats only lactate 10 months out of the year, and this volume can change as the goat's lactating period starts to diminish. Two goats can sufficiently provide milk for a family year-round.
Fun Fact
Goat's milk can be drank raw, but some do prefer to pasteurize it for safety purposes. The milk does not need to be homogenized because unlike cow milk, the cream does not rise to the top because the fat particles are much smaller and stay suspended in the milk.
Benefits
Goat's milk has many health benefits. Not only can it be an alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, it is also a good source of calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B2 and potassium.
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