Goat Milk vs Cow Milk ~ Which is Healthier?

Goats, being smaller than cows, have access to more free range than do cows. Goat keepers also tend to use fewer antibiotics for disease management, seeking instead, more natural treatment options and typically follow a natural preventative program. Also the highly controversial bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is not used in the herd management of goats.

Goats are also much more suitable for use in hilly and rocky areas where a cow could not be kept at all. Therefore, many people raise goats and drink goat milk out of necessity rather than choice.

Let’s compare goat milk and cow milk.

Goat milk contains more protein per serving along with higher amounts of essential amino acids. The structure of some of the proteins found in goat's milk enhances its digestibility and causes less allergic reactions than cow's milk. Goat milk has lower amounts and in some cases no amounts of the alpha-s1-casein protein that causes so many problems with digestibility.

Because goat milk has less lactose, it also has a lower carbohydrate count.

After studies comparing goat milk and cow milk, researchers believe that goat milk may actually help prevent health issues such as anemia and bone demineralization (softening of the bones). Because of the properties of goat milk our bodies are better able to utilize the minerals found in the milk.

And unlike cow milk, the calcium found in goat milk does not interfere with the bio-availability of other minerals.

Perhaps those who are willing to pay more for goat milk are also aware that they are receiving more value for their money.

Copyright © 2011 Cindy Murdoch - All Rights Reserved

Older Comments... (This article was moved from another one of my sites to here, and fully updated April 27, 2012)
(wouldn't want you to miss some of the great comments others have shared!)

StephanieBCrosby - Thanks for this hub. I made the switch from cow's milk once I realized my son and daughter's systems did not seem to agree with cow's milk. First they did soy after breastfeeding and the pediatrician always questioned my decision. However, they finally did routine allergy tests and found both my son and daughter had a sensitivity to cow's milk. A mother knows best. I also found out soy was not agreeable for my daughter, so she gets goat's milk most often along with non-dairy milks. The only thing with goat's milk is if you are looking for vitamin D, you have to read the label. Some companies add it and others do not.

LindaSmith -Goats milk is often used for those who are allergic to milk, meaning cow's milk, and yes goats milk does have less of essential vitamins.

Kris Heeter - Interesting topic. There is some debate as to whether pasteurization destroys many of the vitamins and nutrients and of course pasteurization does destroy probiotics. There are many advocates out there suggesting raw milk (goat or cow) is more healthy than pasteurized. I think there is still a lot of scientific research to be done.

As I matured, the effects have lessened enough that I can now have milk and milk products occasionally, but I still have to be careful of it. And I really dislike people telling me that I am just lactose intolerant and that there are "cures" for that - it is more than just intolerance - it can be a deadly consequence for me if I am not careful... Thanks for your article!