What are the nutritional benefits of Zebu milk?

What is zebu milk?

Zebu are humped cattle (Bos indicus) common in tropical regions. Their milk is cow milk from this type of cattle.

How does zebu milk compare with other cow milk?

An FAO dairy guide says zebu milk yields are low with short lactations, but that the milk has a higher fat and solids-not-fat content than the Bos taurus group. That is the only comparison we could confirm in an official source. We could not find reliable tables of vitamins or fatty acids for zebu milk specifically, and a direct comparison of pure zebu with European breeds was not available. Values vary with breed, feed and stage of lactation.

What about health claims?

Websites claim zebu milk lowers cholesterol, supplies omega-3 or improves immunity. We found no official source for any of these. Like other cow milk, it supplies protein, calcium and other nutrients, and the NHS notes that much of the fat in milk is saturated and advises lower-fat milks for older children and adults.

How do you choose and use it?

• Buy milk labeled pasteurized. The FDA says raw milk of any animal can carry Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter.
• Keep it in the fridge and use it by the date on the pack.
• Higher-fat milk gives creamier tea, yogurt and sweets; skim the cream if you want less fat.
• It contains lactose, so it does not suit lactose intolerance.

Who should be careful?

People with a milk allergy, pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should avoid raw milk. This is general information, not medical advice.