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Milk is known for its antimicrobial properties and therefore breast milk is the only option that should be fed to the newly born. On the other hand, cow milk, as well as goat milk, also has antimicrobial properties that are helpful for the human body by helping them in fighting pathogens.
Is breast milk Antimicrobial?
There are a number of antimicrobial properties and immunomodulatory molecules in the world of science. This includes immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and fatty acids. In the case of breast milk, it contains 3,000 µg/ml of GML (glycerol monolaurate), and on the other hand in the case of cow milk, the amount of GML is 150 μg/ml. Different bacteria has been tested through scientific research such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli. On the other hand, in the case of glyceryl monolaurate, important formulas have also been tested along with breast milk and it was seen that there was no GML present in them. Therefore, it can be said that breast milk is more antibacterial than cow’s milk.
Therefore, it can be said that the high level of GML present in human milk can be considered as unique since pathogenic bacteria inhibits human milk and thus it helps them grow. While consuming antibiotics for inference they not only fight pathogenic bacteria but also kill beneficial bacteria as well. On the other hand, in the case of glyceryl monolaurate, it is very selective while fighting pathogenic bacteria, which let the beneficial ones it, survives. On the other hand, the growth of different bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli is inhibited by human breast milk. Hence, it can be summarised that human breast milk is highly antimicrobial and beneficial for infants.
Types of the milking system
Hand milking
It is one of the types of milking that is prevalent in India and this method is applied on cows. The milking is done either crosswise or before in the fore section followed by the hindquarter of the body. The process is known to remove dirt from the teat canal of the animal and this process is done either by full hand or by stripping. Stripping is a process that is done by firmly cupping the teat within thumb and forefingers, which are drawn down the length of the teat. This is one of the types of milking where the stimulation of the fingers causes the milk to drip in a stream. Some of the milking methods can cause harming of the tissues, which should be avoided by the milkers.
Machine milking
In this method, milking is done more efficiently within a quick span and with the help of machines. The milking machines, when maintained properly, can have multiple benefits. A partial vacuum opens the streak canal allowing the milk to flow out of the teat into a receiving container. On the other hand, the machines massage the teats and it does not let any congestion of blood and lymph to form in the teat. This method milking is extremely cost and time efficient and thus should be used. The milking machines can produce 1.5 to 2 litres of milk in a minute, along with being hygienic and energy efficient. In addition to this, it can extract all of the milk, and gives a sucking feeling to the cow. As a result, the cow does not feel pain and there is no leakage of milk.
Is goat milk soap antimicrobial?
Goat milk soap has been used across the globe because of its therapeutic properties for centuries. It is considered to be effective in treating acne as well as infections health. It can be said that it has antimicrobial properties that help in delaying the growth of pathogenic organisms that cause acne as well as infection. As other commercial soaps, there are several therapeutically properties in the goat milk soap as it contains alpha hydroxy acid that helps in removing scars.
Conclusion
As per the above analysis, it can be concluded that glycerol monolaurate is one of the most important components of human breast milk that is helpful for infants. Machine milking, as well as hand milking, is used in India as the most common types of milking. In the case of goat milk soap, they do not have many antimicrobial properties like any other commercial soap.
