The milk obtained from cows and buffalos is called bovine milk. The milk obtained from other animals such as goats, camels, sheep, donkeys and yak is called non-bovine milk. Either in liquid form or in extended product forms such as milk powder, ice cream, yoghurt, chocolates and cosmetics, the demand for non-bovine milk is on the rise.

Donkey milk is deemed closest to human milk in terms of its nutrition, compositions and digestibility. It can be used as a substitute for mother’s milk. In Europe, they have donkey farms. It is used to boost stamina drinks. It has low fat and cholesterol content. It is used in dermatitis, skin diseases, hepatitis, ulcers and cardio-vascular ailments.

Camel milk is routinely prescribed for children suffering from autism. It is good in diabetes, TB and infections.

Goat milk is good for dengue patients. It increases the platlete count. It was sold at Rs.300 a litre in Amritsar during the dengue outbreak in 2021.

Non-bovine milk is excellent functional food. It is a key ingredient in pharmaceuticals. It could be used to prepare super-foods to boost immunity.

Sheep milk is source for bio-active peptides or amino acids. It is used for cardiac ailments, epilepsy in children, cysts, gall stones and infections.

Yak milk available in hilly tracks is good for high B.P., diabetes, cardio- vascular troubles and cancer.

Non-bovine ecosystem makes the farmer rear these animals for transportation, meat, wool and hide. There are shrinking grazing grounds. All this affects the population of these animals adversely. There should be proper policy initiatives to correct the eco-system. The therapeutic value of non-bovine products must be encouraged.