Goat Milk boosts growth in children
Nov 17, 2008
MOST people detest goat milk in preference to cow milk. However, they do not know what they are missing. Goat milk contains twice as much vitamin A as that for cow.
By John Kasozi
MOST people detest goat milk in preference to cow milk. However, they do not know what they are missing. Goat milk contains twice as much vitamin A as that for cow.
“Vitamin A is essential for growth in children and for the prevention of eye problems. Goat milk is good for people with heart problems, high blood pressure and those who are obese because of its low cholesterol level,†says Dr. James Muwanga, of Sembabule-Sembeguya Estate.
The milk is also recommended for people with stomach ulcers and those who are allergic to cow milk. The fat and protein content in goat milk is easily digested than that in cow milk.
The milk has proved to be effective for feeding infants of HIV-positive mothers because it is rich in nutrients and easy to digest.
Muwanga, however, noted that people, especially around the cattle corridor, have a negative attitude towards goat milk. “They only look at goat meat.â€
“Masaka, Mbarara and Mbale districts sub-urban areas are the leading consumers of goat milk, while Mukono, Jinja and some districts in northern Uganda are picking up,†he said.
Dairy goats include Toggenburg, German Apine, Saanen and crosses with the Galla. These are improved breeds, bred for milk production.
Goats provide families with an alternative way of obtaining income. An average dairy goat yields 2.5 litres of milk a day.
Goats reproduce easily and can be sold to meet family needs.
“Rearing goats is less demanding. It is easy for children, women and disabled people to look after them,†said Dr. Shamilah Namusisi, of the Food and Agriculture Research Management.
MOST people detest goat milk in preference to cow milk. However, they do not know what they are missing. Goat milk contains twice as much vitamin A as that for cow.
“Vitamin A is essential for growth in children and for the prevention of eye problems. Goat milk is good for people with heart problems, high blood pressure and those who are obese because of its low cholesterol level,†says Dr. James Muwanga, of Sembabule-Sembeguya Estate.
The milk is also recommended for people with stomach ulcers and those who are allergic to cow milk. The fat and protein content in goat milk is easily digested than that in cow milk.
The milk has proved to be effective for feeding infants of HIV-positive mothers because it is rich in nutrients and easy to digest.
Muwanga, however, noted that people, especially around the cattle corridor, have a negative attitude towards goat milk. “They only look at goat meat.â€
“Masaka, Mbarara and Mbale districts sub-urban areas are the leading consumers of goat milk, while Mukono, Jinja and some districts in northern Uganda are picking up,†he said.
Dairy goats include Toggenburg, German Apine, Saanen and crosses with the Galla. These are improved breeds, bred for milk production.
Goats provide families with an alternative way of obtaining income. An average dairy goat yields 2.5 litres of milk a day.
Goats reproduce easily and can be sold to meet family needs.
“Rearing goats is less demanding. It is easy for children, women and disabled people to look after them,†said Dr. Shamilah Namusisi, of the Food and Agriculture Research Management.