Determination of Micro and Macro Minerals and Some Biochemical Parameters in Fresh Cow Milk from Different Locations in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria

Milk is an essential nutritional substance required for growth and development as well as food supplement to humans and animals. However, milk and milk products are considered as an essential source of dietary minerals for consumers. Four fresh cow milk two each were randomly collected from two different farms, Kasuwan Shanu samples A and B and Bulumkutu Kasuwa samples C and D within Maiduguri metropolis of Borno State, Nigerian. In this present study the concentration of the micro (Zn, Cu, and Mn) and macro (Na, Ca, and Mg) minerals were quantitatively determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) (Model 9190 Pyeunicam UK), while the biochemical constituents, such as fats and protein in the fresh cow milk were analyzed using the standard methods. The results showed milk sample C and D from Bulumkutu Kasuwa had the highest sodium content (49.06±0.02 and 41.01±0.01 mg/L) respectively, while Kasuwa Shanu samples A and B has the lowest sodium concentrations (36.27±0.09 and 31.61±1.05 mg/L respectively. Calcium levels were highest (2.15±0.05 mg/L) in sample B, followed by (1.81±0.01 mg/L) in sample D and lower (1.48±0.03 mg/L and 1.40±0.09 mg/L) in samples C and A respectively. Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn were detected in all the fresh cow milk samples from the two farms Kasuwan Shanu, and Bulumkutu Kasuwa and their concentrations were within the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control) (NAFDAC) Standard values. The biochemical constituents; Protein content ranges from (6.32±0.03% to 7.11±0.11%) in samples B and A respectively of Kasuwan Shanu and (6.33±0.11% to 7.57±0.16%) in samples D and C respectively of Bulumkutu Kasuwa. The highest protein content was recorded in sample C of Bulumkutu Kasuwa and the lowest was recorded in samples B and D respectively. The fat levels range from ((1.36±0.08% to 8.46±0.05%) in samples B and A respectively of Kasuwan Shanu and (4.57±1.00% to 3.55±0.13%) in D and C respectively of Bulumkutu Kasuwa. From the results, it was observed that significant difference existed in protein and fat values while there is no significant difference in the values of micro and macro elements of the cow milk samples from the studied farms. However, the protein contents in the cow milk samples are significantly within the NAFDAC standard values. The high-fat content in sample A is a source of worry and concern and necessitates further monitoring in other areas and some caution in the rampant consumption of such milk.