Topic Editors

Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assesment, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznan University of Life Science, Złotniki, ul. Słoneczna 1, 62-002 Suchy Las, Poland
Prof. Dr. Jan Pikul
Department of Dairy and Process Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 31/33, 60-624 Poznań, Poland
School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Advances in Animal-Derived Non-Cow Milk and Niche Cow Milk. Properties, Processing, Dairy Products and Environmental Impact, 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline
30 November 2025
Manuscript submission deadline
31 January 2026
Viewed by
2335

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Total global animal-derived milk production in 2020 was 886.9 million tonnes, of which cow milk accounted for approximately 81%. Certified organic milk (OM) accounts for 0.9% of global dairy milk production and, similarly to non-cow milk (NCM), is often considered a niche product in many parts of the world. Notably, Holstein/Friesian cows account for almost 95% of the herd animals in Europe. In addition, cattle are the mammalian species with the highest number of breeds at risk, as well as the highest number of breeds reported to be extinct. Interest in the connection between genetic diversity and the nutritional content of animal-source foods for human consumption is increasing, but this field has not yet received much research attention (FAO, 2014).

The most popular NCM is buffalo milk, accounting for 15.2% of global milk production. Other non-cow species, such as goats, sheep, and camels, account for a much smaller share of global milk production at 2.3%, 1.2%, and 0.4%, respectively. Milk from small ruminants and camels, which accounts for less than 5% of global milk production, is important for the economies of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asian countries. NCM derived from other animals, such as reindeer, donkey, mare, yak, and llama, is not commonly consumed but is of great cultural importance in local communities.

Interest in NCM and OM, as well as milk from rare and local cattle breeds, is growing due to the exceptional taste, good nutritional and pro-health values, and low allergenicity compared to mainstream cow milk (also providing potential applications in infant formula), among other reasons. Consumers also see OM as better for the planet, as their concerns about the food products' environmental impact continue to grow. However, information on the unique aspects of non-cow and niche cow milk and dairy products in terms of the biologically active compounds that support health is still scarce. The environmental impact of these products also remains understudied.

For this reason, we propose the Topic of “Advances in Animal-Derived Non-Cow Milk and Niche Cow Milk” and welcome original research and review article submissions from scholars.

The content which can be covered in this Topic include research related to milk and colostrum derived from the following:

  • Buffalos;
  • Minor dairy species (including, but not limited to, goats, sheep, camels, yaks, llamas, jennet, and mares);
  • Organic cattle;
  • Local and rare breeds of cattle.

Research related to the following aspects of the above milk production is welcome:

  • Social, economic, and environmental aspects of production and distribution;
  • Issues related to production, milking, raw milk storage, and microbial quality;
  • Animal health and welfare;
  • Safety, composition, and properties of milk;
  • Flavour and sensory characteristics;
  • Consumer acceptance and preference;
  • Innovative functional dairy products from various mammal species;
  • Potential applications in infant nutrition.

Prof. Dr. Jacek Wójtowski
Prof. Dr. Jan Pikul
Dr. Maria Markiewicz-Kȩszycka
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • non-cow milk
  • non-cow milk products
  • organic milk
  • local and rare breeds
  • milk quality
  • milk distribution
  • biologically active compounds
  • sensory assessment
  • consumer acceptance
  • allergenicity
  • infant formula
  • functional milk products
  • environmental footprint

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Agriculture
agriculture
3.6 6.3 2011 18 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Dairy
dairy
3.1 4.9 2020 23.4 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Foods
foods
5.1 8.7 2012 14.9 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Nutrients
nutrients
5.0 9.1 2009 12.9 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Animals
animals
2.7 5.2 2011 17.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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20 pages, 6883 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Composition and Biological Activities of Donkey Milk: A Narrative Review
by Qingyu Xu, Lin Wei, Xiuwen Chen, Hongzhen Zhu, Jinjin Wei, Mingxia Zhu, Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Changfa Wang and Zhenwei Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(13), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14132337 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Donkey milk has received increasing attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional composition and potential biological activities. This comprehensive review analyzed the main nutritional components of donkey milk, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while also examining its significant biological [...] Read more.
Donkey milk has received increasing attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional composition and potential biological activities. This comprehensive review analyzed the main nutritional components of donkey milk, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while also examining its significant biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The protein profile of donkey milk is notable for its high proportion of whey proteins (55–65%), resembling human milk more closely than cow milk. Its relatively low-fat content (approximately 1.29%) with higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids provides nutritional advantages for specific dietary needs. The carbohydrate content, primarily lactose, contributes to energy provision and calcium absorption. Donkey milk is also distinguished by its rich vitamin profile, particularly vitamin C (about 4.75 times higher than cow milk), and essential minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The biological activities of donkey milk extend to various applications in infant nutrition, particularly for children with cow milk protein allergies, potential medical treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions, and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising attributes, the donkey milk industry faces challenges including low milk yield, lack of standardized production methods, and quality control measures. The sustainable development of the donkey milk industry requires comprehensive approaches to resource protection, technological innovation, brand building, and supportive policies to realize its full potential in contributing to human health and economic development. Full article
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16 pages, 1667 KiB  
Article
Lactase-Treated A2 Milk as a Feasible Conventional Milk Alternative: Results of a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial to Assess Tolerance, Gastrointestinal Distress, and Preference for Milks Varying in Casein Types and Lactose Content
by Laura A. Robinson, Aidan M. Cavanah, Sarah Lennon, Madison L. Mattingly, Derick A. Anglin, Melissa D. Boersma, Michael D. Roberts and Andrew Dandridge Frugé
Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17121946 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 820
Abstract
Background: Previous research indicates that gastrointestinal discomfort from milk consumption may be attributable to A1 β-casein, rather than lactose intolerance alone. A2 milk (free of A1 β-casein) consumption may result in fewer symptoms compared to conventional milk containing both A1/A2 β-casein. Objective: In [...] Read more.
Background: Previous research indicates that gastrointestinal discomfort from milk consumption may be attributable to A1 β-casein, rather than lactose intolerance alone. A2 milk (free of A1 β-casein) consumption may result in fewer symptoms compared to conventional milk containing both A1/A2 β-casein. Objective: In this five-week, double-blind, double-crossover study, we assessed the physiological responses to doses escalating in volume of lactose-free conventional milk (Lactaid), A2 milk, and lactose-free A2 milk in fluid milk-avoiding participants. Methods: Each milk type was consumed over three separate weeks with three increasing doses across five days per week, >one week washout. Gastrointestinal symptoms, blood glucose, and breath gases were monitored for twenty-four, two-, and three-hours post-consumption, respectively. Sensory evaluation was completed for each sample. Results: Fifty-three participants consented and were randomized, with forty-eight participants completing the study. Overall, symptoms were minimal. On Days 1 and 3, lower ratings of bloating and flatulence were observed in A2 compared to lactose-free A2. Breath hydrogen responses reflected lactose content, but were higher in lactose-free A2 than Lactaid on Day 5. Thirty-three participants were deemed lactose-intolerant and had higher fasting and average breath hydrogen for all samples. The only symptom corresponding to the increase in breath hydrogen among these participants was flatulence after A2 consumption. Surprisingly, flatulence was apparently higher for lactose-tolerant individuals when consuming Lactaid compared to A2. Conclusions: These findings suggest that adults who avoid conventional fluid milk consumption may experience minimal GI discomfort from lactose-free and/or A1-free milks. Full article
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20 pages, 2834 KiB  
Article
Structural and Physico-Chemical Changes of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese Influenced by Covering Liquid Composition
by Irene Fenga, Marcello Alinovi, Maria Paciulli, Germano Mucchetti and Emma Chiavaro
Foods 2025, 14(9), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091506 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is an Italian protected designation of origin cheese characterized by a stretched structure, high moisture (<65%), and short shelf life (<30 days). This cheese is generally stored refrigerated in a covering liquid that is an aqueous solution containing NaCl [...] Read more.
Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is an Italian protected designation of origin cheese characterized by a stretched structure, high moisture (<65%), and short shelf life (<30 days). This cheese is generally stored refrigerated in a covering liquid that is an aqueous solution containing NaCl and organic acids. Although microbial growth has been reported as the main cause of quality deterioration, physico-chemical phenomena (water/solute migration, enzymatic reactions, etc.) also play a role in determining the cheese quality and its storability. This study investigates the effect of covering liquids formulated with different percentages of NaCl (1, 2%) and types of organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid, and a 1:1 mix of both) on the evolution of some physico-chemical characteristics of the cheese (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, color, expressible serum, texture, rheology) during a 30-day storage period. Eight cheese batches collected from different dairies were considered as replicates of the study. The % of NaCl in the covering liquid showed a strong, significant effect on the evolution of different structural, physico-chemical characteristics of the cheeses; in particular, a NaCl concentration of 2% caused the greatest extent of moisture content increase because of casein swelling during storage, accompanied by softening of the structure. Full article
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