Proximate and heavy metal compositions of milk from Ewe, Cow, Goat, and Human

Fresh milk samples from ewe, cow, goat, and human of Nigerian stock were analyzed for proximate and heavy metal compositions. The human milk was lowest in crude fat (13.7%) and ash contents (0.61%), but highest in crude protein 4.77%. Goat milk was lowest in moisture (83.3%) and crude protein (3.11%); while cow milk, goat milk, and ewe milk were highest in moisture, crude fat, and ash contents respectively. The levels of Fe (0.21 to 0.51 mg/L), Zn (0.17 to 0.24 mg/L), Cu (0.19 to 0.89 mg/L), and Co (0.01 to 0.06 mg/L) in the samples were acceptable when compared to WHO limits, but higher in their contents of Cr, Mn, and Ni.