4. Conclusions
The results of this study showed that feeding regimes and breed
type are significant parameters that determine the functional
properties of goat milk and Kefir. The total antioxidant capacity and
phenolic substances in Hair Goat samples were noticeably higher
than in Saanen breed samples and cow milk. We concluded that
Kefir made from goat milk had higher bacterial population
including probiotics and more bioactive compounds (total antioxidant
capacity, phenolic substances, etc.) than that produced from
cow milk due to the genetic features and botanical differences in
feeding regimes. Therefore, the current approach to functional milk
quality is related to the content of bioactive components.
One specific feature in Mediterranean areas, such as Turkey, is
that the extensive goat farming systems, which are almost solely
based on mountain grassland pasture, play essential ecological and
cultural/traditional roles. The properties of goat milk products are
unique in extensive feeding operations and cannot be reproduced
by intensive commercial farming systems.
The bioactive components of goat Kefir are mainly attributed to
the properties of goat milk (breed type, feeding conditions, etc.)
and fermentation with natural Kefir grains as shown through TEAC
and ORAC values and phenolic substance results. Therefore, goat
Kefir with superior microbial properties would be a significant
natural dairy beverage in human daily diet.