Nutrient composition of pastoralist's raw milk of different breeds of cattle in Adamawa and Taraba states, Northeastern Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of raw milk produced in pastoral settlements. Six hundred pastoralists' raw milk samples were collected from 20 local governments in Adamawa and Taraba states, Nigeria. Milk samples were collected from White Fulani (WF), Red Bororo (RB) and Sokoto Gudali (SG) breeds of cattle and were analyzed for protein, fat, ash and moisture contents. The protein content ranged between 3.62±0.38% -3.95±0.11% in WF, 3.29±0.8% - 3.94±0.10% in RB and 3.31±0.27%- 3.95±0.09% in SG in Adamawa and Taraba states. The fat content ranged between 3.55±0.47% - 3.99±0.03% in WF, 3.98±0.04% - 3.98±0.06% in RB and 3.32±0.20% - 3.45±0.27% in SG. The ash content recorded was between 0.40±0.06% -0.41±0.04% in WF, 0.40±0.06% - 0.43±0.07% in RB and0.39±0.06% - 0.41±0.08% in SG, and the moisture content in Adamawa and Taraba states were between 83.52±2.07% - 84.00±0.57% in WF, 82.28±1.05% - 83.73±0.63% in RB and 82.90±1.48% - 83.56±1.35%in SG. The study from the two states revealed protein value between 3.29± 0.8% - 3.95±0.11%, fat content range of3.32±0.20% - 3.99±0.03%, ash content of between 0.39± 0.06% - 0.43±0.07% and moisture content that ranged between 82.28± 1.05% - 84.00±0.57%. Constituents of milkfrom Taraba state were higher in values than those from Adamawa sate. The statistical analysis of the results at95% confidence level showed significant difference among breeds and states. In comparison, the three breeds that resided in Adamawa state had least values, which could be attributed to herd management practices. This study showed that all the three pastoralists' breeds indicated desirable components in their milk Cross breeding with higher breeds and provision of quality feed and water may lead to better yield in all the breeds in this study.