Archives of Current Research International

Goat and sheep milk were evaluated for proximate composition, selected enzyme activities and antioxidant activity. Twenty-five pooled samples of each milk type were examined. Goat milk samples were collected from the Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, while sheep milk samples were procured from Anand and the surrounding area. Total solids, fat, protein, lactose and ash were determined, together with the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lipase, catalase, xanthine oxidase, lactoperoxidase and proteolytic enzymes. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Sheep milk showed higher mean values than goat milk for the measured proximate constituents and for each of the selected enzyme activities. The mean antioxidant activity was also higher in sheep milk, with observed ranges of 13.15–26.62 per cent in goat milk and 23.89–46.41 per cent in sheep milk. The proximate composition, selected enzyme activities and antioxidant activity observed in the study were generally within the ranges reported in the literature cited in the manuscript. However, comparisons of enzyme activities among studies require caution because analytical methods, substrates and reporting units differ. Enzyme activity may also vary with species and breed, lactation stage, animal health, age, and the physiological, nutritional and metabolic status of the animals.