The
Alternative: Goat's Milk
Goat's milk has the advantage of being easier to digest; this is in part
because the protein curds that are formed in the stomach are softer than
that of cow's milk. This, in turn, makes digestion faster and easier.
Almost half the people who are lactose intolerant can drink goat's milk.
In addition, goat's milk contains only trace amounts of an allergenic
casein protein, alpha-S1, which is found in cow's milk. Scientific
research has not discovered a lower incidence of milk allergy with goat
milk; however, many mothers would disagree and this may be another case
where mother's wisdom and attention overrides the evidence of a
laboratory.
Another advantage is that the medium chain fatty acids in goat's milk are
believed to help with several diseases such as cystic fibrosis,
gallstones, heart disease, and digestive problems. Goat's milk is
comprised of 35 percent of these medium chain fatty acids as compared to
cow milk's 17 percent.
The
mineral content of goat's milk and cow's milk is generally similar;
however, goat's milk contains 13 percent more calcium, 25 percent more
vitamin B-6, 47 percent more vitamin A (and the vitamin A is pre-formed,
unlike cow's milk which must be partially converted from carotenoids), 134
percent more potassium, and three times more niacin. It is also four
times higher in copper and contains 27 percent more of the antioxidant
selenium than cow's milk. An eight ounce serving of goat's milk contains
nine grams of protein as compared to eight ounces of protein in cow's
milk. Cow's milk contains five times as much vitamin B-12 as goat's milk
and ten times as much folic acid. Since goat's milk is lower in folic
acid, it is usually fortified with folic acid when used in formula or as a
milk substitute for children.
In
the goat world, the Saanen is comparable to the Holstein in that it
produces a high quantity of milk with a lower fat content. On the other
hand, the Jersey of the goat world is the Nubian, which produces less milk
but with a higher fat content. The LaMancha, Toggenburg, Alpine, and
Oberhasli fall in between the two extremes.
Law
Regarding Raw Milk
Sales of raw milk is allowed in twenty eight of the fifty states. In
another five states, raw milk may be sold for “pet consumption”. In some
of these states, there are laws under consideration that would require all
“pet milk” to be treated with a charcoal dye so that humans will be sure
not to drink it.
In
some of the remaining states, such as Colorado,
Wisconsin, and Virginia, raw milk is available by “cow sharing”. Cow
sharing or “herd sharing” is when a group pays a farmer fees for
maintaining and milking a cow and then they pick up the milk from the
“shared cow” - but they do not pay for the milk itself. If cow sharing is
not allowed, some people have organized “farm sharing” in which a group of
people buy non-voting shares in a farm and are therefore able to obtain
milk from the farm in which they own shares.
Obviously there are other benefits to be had from consuming raw milk. Raw
milk bequeaths a myriad of health benefits but it also makes greater
economic and environmental sense. Drinking raw milk may be your best
economic option because you already have the animal; however, even if you
have to purchase your raw milk, you are supporting a small farmer and
helping him or her maintain their lifestyle. Raw milk is also the best
environmental choice because a small dairy production allows for a
“mixed-use” farm, which is the most in-sync with nature. So, if you
already have your dairy animal(s), congratulate yourself on (yet another)
wise decision. If not, consider supporting a local farmer and buying raw
milk and raw milk products. And if you are banned from buying raw milk,
fight for your Constitutional right.
You
can find more at:
www.realmilk.com,
www.raw-milk-facts.com and
www.rawmilk.org.
