Amount of Casein in Milk
Amount of Casein in Milk
Amount of Casein in Milk
Aim
Milk is a multinutrient fluid and it is the primary source of nutrition for human. It consists of
80% of proteins. The protein in the milk is classified into casein and whey protein. Milk protein
consists of 80% of casein and 20% whey protein. The function of casein is to provide energy to
human body. The name of casein is related to the family of phosphoproteins. These proteins are
commonly found in the mammalian milk. This study deals with the precipitation of casein from
the various milk samples such as cow milk, goat milk, buffalo milk and also the samples that
availed from the market. The technique of precipitation of casein is used to predict the protein
content in the milk samples.
Introduction
Casein is the main protein constituent of milk. It constitutes about 80% of the total protein in
cow’s milk and about 3% of its weight. It group of protein precipitated when the milk is slightly
acidified. It dissolves slightly in water, extensively in alkalis’ or strong acids. Casein is a
complete protein meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids, which the body can not
manufacture on its own. When dried, it is a white, amorphous powder without taste and odour. It
is a mixed phosphoprotein and occurs in milk as calcium salt (calcium caseinate) in the form of
micelle. The micelle has a negative charge. When an acid is added to the milk, the negative
charges are neutralized.
Requirements
• 250 ml beakers
• Funnel
• Glass rod
• Chemical balances
• Test tubes
• Filtration flask
• Bunsen burner
Procedure
• Take a clean dry beaker, put into it 20cc of cow’s milk and add 20 ml of saturated ammonium
sulphate solution slowly and with stirring. Fat along with casein will precipitate out.
• Only casein dissolves in water forming milky solution leaving fat undissolved.
• Heat the milky solution to about 40˚ C and add 1% acetic acid solution drop wise, when casein
gets precipitated.
• Filter the precipitate, wash with water and let the precipitate dry.
• Weigh the dry solid mass in a previously weighed watch glass.
Observation Table
The yield of casein precipitated from the various milk samples of goat milk, cow milk and
buffalo milk contains 6.4 gm, 7.8 gm and 4 gm respectively. Similarly, the milk samples availed
from the market such as milk -A and milk -B was 6.8 gm and 5.5 gm respectively. This shows
that the casein precipitated from the cow milk contains more amount of casein protein than the
goat and buffalo milk samples. The lower amount of casein in the buffalo milk is may be due to
the more fat content in it [8]. The dissimilarities between the milk samples -A and B is revealed
that the market milk -B may be adultered with water or any other substance
Conclusion
This study clearly indicated that the amount of casein precipitated from the cow milk was higher
than that of the other milk samples. The quantitative analysis of casein precipitated from the
various milk samples provide the ample scope to the cottage cheese manufacture.
According to the research findings, cow milk contains the largest amount of casein protein. Thus,
the cow milk is suitable for the best muscle growth and basic body building achievements. It was
found that goat milk contains the small amount of casein protein. Although the mineral content
of goat's milk and cow's milk is generally similar, goat's milk contains more calcium, potassium,
iron, magnesium and sodium. All milk has lots of casein but there are different types of casein
and for someone who has casein sensitivity, goat milk may provide an alternative to which they
do not react.
References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casein
[2] http://www.milkfacts.info/Milk%20Composition/Milk%20Composition%20Page.htm
[4] http://nem.org.uk/chem1.htm
[5] T Hemma, J Otte. Status and prospects for small holder milk production. A global
perspective (PDF) Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, 2010.
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