The most similar in composition to human milk is horse and donkey milk. It contains considerably more whey proteins (35-50%) than cow milk (about 20%), and the concentration of the most allergenic casein fraction αs1 is 1.5-2.5 g/l.
Research suggests that camel's milk is pretty much the closest you can get to a human mother's milk. Particularly in terms of immune-boosting proteins like lactoferrin and immunoglobulins, it is the same. Camel's milk also contains exclusively A2 casein, making it more digestible and better tolerated than cow's milk.
Goat's milk, by nature, is closer to human breast milk than cow's milk or soy, which means less processing and more natural goodness. It is high in oligosaccharides, similar in protein levels to human breastmilk, and is low in lactose, which makes it perfect for babies and toddlers with sensitive tummies.
Goat milk formulas can be healthy for babies and toddlers who have concerns about cow milk. Goat milk is more digestible than cow milk and resembles human milk more closely than cow milk.
Goat's milk is fairly similar to cow's milk although it is higher in calcium but lower in B12.
Soya milk. An excellent source of quality vegetable protein, soya milk was originally a byproduct of making tofu. Many are further fortified with added vitamins and minerals, and nutritionally it is probably the closest to cow's milk, with a similar clean flavour.
Goat milk is an excellent source of protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin A. When you look at the nutritional qualities of goat milk, it is higher in fat and calories when compared to cow milk, and it also contains more protein, vitamins and minerals.
Before the invention of bottles and formula, wet nursing was the safest and most common alternative to the natural mother's breastmilk.
Oli6® Dairy Goat Infant Formula is a premium goat's milk-based formula. This breast milk substitute is specially formulated for formula fed babies from birth or when changing from breastfeeding.
Well, we're glad you asked! While goat milk does taste slightly different to cow milk, it's smooth and fresh, perfect for young taste buds. This is because goat milk has naturally smaller fat and protein molecules which mix together easily and resemble those of breast milk.
In a side by side comparison of the three kinds of milk, the Natural Gourmet Institute found that cow milk has more total protein and higher levels of Vitamin B12 and folate than sheep and goat milk. However, goat milk has more calcium and magnesium than cow's milk and has the added bonus of Vitamin C.
Tammar wallabies, found in southern and western Australia, produce sugar-rich milk for their joeys. Their milk contains about 14 percent sugar, double the amount present in human milk and one of the highest levels among mammals. The types of sugars in their milk are different, too.
3.1.
The results published in FAO are shown (below). The average amount of components of camel milk is protein 3.1%; fat 3.5%; lactose 4.4%; ash 0.79%, and total solids 11.9% (11–16). The most important factor in camel milk is water content. The total solid content is similar to that human milk (17).
As for sheep's milk, almost no one in the United States or anywhere else drinks it straight. It has twice the fat of cow's milk and human milk, making it too rich to be very appealing as a beverage.
Meanwhile, giraffe milk is much higher in fat than cow's milk – 12.5 percent compared to 3.5 percent. All that fat might sound like a turnoff, but recent research has shown that higher levels of dairy fat can also lead to a lower risk of diabetes.
In terms of nutrition, soy milk is the closest non-dairy substitute for cow's milk. This is because it contains a similar amount of protein to cow's milk, but it contains half the amount of fat, calories, and carbohydrates. An average 100ml portion contains 44 calories, 1.9g of fat, and 3g of carbohydrate.
Well, goat milk is a baby formula alternative that is best used when you want to transition children away from using formula altogether. Pasteurized goat milk is safe and contains more protein and other nutrients than cow milk, and all with less lactose.
This physician and mom recommends our closest infant formula to breast milk, Similac 360 Total Care.
If you run out of formula and can't find any, in a pinch you can give oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand) for a couple of days. Babies older than 4 to 6 months can also get puréed (finely ground) foods.
If you cannot find infant formula and you usually give your child a regular infant formula, you can give your 6 month to 12 month old child some pasteurized (not raw), unflavored, whole cow's milk. Cow's milk should only be given for a short time (no more than a week) as instructed by your child's doctor.
Home-prepared infant formulas
From the 1930s or early 1940s, most formulas fed to infants in the United States were prepared by mixing evaporated milk or fresh cow's milk with water and adding carbohydrate.
Not only does goat milk contain less lactose, but its fat content is also much simpler for human digestion than cow milk. This means that the fat globules in goat milk are smaller and easier for our milk fat-dissolving enzyme — lipase— to break into smaller pieces as they pass through our gut.
Goat's milk
But anyone who is just mildly intolerant—meaning, cow's milk bothers you, but cheese doesn't—should give it a try. Goat's milk is lower in lactose than cow's milk and has been shown to be easier to digest for kids and adults with sensitive stomachs, Largeman-Roth says.
Supply and demand
There are millions of milk cows in the U.S., but as of 2020, there were only 450,000 milk goats (via USDA). Add to that the fact that goats are many times less productive when it comes to milk (goats don't even lactate all year, per Cook's Info), resulting in low supply.