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Comparative Study of Cottage Cheese Prepared from Various Sources of Milk

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Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: Pakistan Academy of Sciences
B. Life and Environmental Sciences 53 (4): 269–282 (2016)
Copyright © Pakistan Academy of Sciences
ISSN: 2518-4261 (print), ISSN 2518-427X (online) Research Article

Comparative Study of Cottage Cheese Prepared

from Various Sources of Milk
Sadia Rasheed, Ihsan Mabood Qazi, Ishfaq Ahmed*, Yasser Durrani,
and Zarmeena Azmat
Department of Food Science and Technology, The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality of cottage cheese prepared from
cow, buffalo, sheep and goat milk. Cottage cheese prepared from these milk sources was evaluated for
physicochemical and sensory attributes. Initial study showed that solid not fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose,
ash content, pH and moisture content of these milk samples were significantly (p < 0.05) different from each
other. High yield (22.96 %) and ash (3.25 %) content were observed in sheep milk cheese. Cow milk took
longer time (27.33 sec) to coagulate and also showed maximum level of pH (4.3). Higher moisture content
(51.63 %) was found in goat milk cheese samples. Higher fat (24.2 %) and protein (19.03 %) contents
were observed in buffalo milk cheese than rest of the cheese samples. In case of sensory evaluation, goat
milk cheese obtained maximum scores of 8.1, 9.0, 8.6 and 8.6 in terms of flavor, texture, taste and overall
acceptability, respectively. Cheese prepared from goat milk had much better after taste (8.4) than rest of the
cheese samples. Generally, all cottage cheese samples were considered highly acceptable by the panel of
judges. However, goat milk cottage cheese was more acceptable than that of the other cheese samples.
Keywords: Milk; Cottage cheese; physicochemical properties; sensory properties

1. INTRODUCTION
Milk is a prehistoric source of food for mankind that
is produced by mammals to feed their infants [1].
Since ancient time, perhaps as early as 6000-8000
B.C, earliest man learned to rear various species
of animals (cow, buffalo, sheep, goat etc.) for
producing milk for human utilization [2]. Pakistan
is amongst the leading milk producing countries.
In the year 2013-2014, the total milk production
in Pakistan was 50.990 billion liters, of which
buffalo, cow, camel, goat and sheep contributed
31.252, 18.027, 0.851, 0.822, 0.038 billion liters,
respectively [3].
The components of milk supply energy and
provide materials essential for development of
human, especially infants [4]. It plays an incredible
role in a healthy society as well as plays a vital
role in developing rural areas by improving their
livelihoods [5]. Milk obtained from various species
shows variations in term of composition and
nutritional values. Sheep milk contains high level
————————————————
Received, April 2016; Accepted, November 2016
*Corresponding Author: Ishfaq Ahmed; Email: ishfak90@gmail.com
of fat (7.62 %), solid not fat (10.3 %), proteins
(6.21 %), whey protein (0.81 %), total solid (18.33
%) and ash content (0.90 %) than goat, cow and
buffalo’s milk [1, 6]. On the other hand, cow milk
had higher content of lactose (4.78 %) as compared
to goat, buffalo and sheep milk [1, 6]. Milk is the
vital requirement of our daily life. It is consumed
as fresh and also in the form of various products
such as yogurt, butter, ice-cream and cheese [7-8].
Even though, Pakistan is rich in milk production,
however very little work has been done on cheese
production, which is due to the lack of knowledge
and technical skills [9].
Cheese is a product prepared from milk with
the help of specific enzymes, starter bacteria
or organic acid [10]. Over 2000 varieties exist
globally and the list is still rising [11]. Cheese is
classified into various categories, on the basis of
appearance, manufacturing, ripening and chemical
composition [12]. Most of them are categorized
into natural, process, un-ripened, ripened, soft and
270 Sadia Rasheed et al

hard cheese, and are also named for their place of 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
origination [13]. Natural cheese might be ripened or 2.1 Collection of Milk Samples
un-ripened. Ripened cheese is made by coagulating
with rennet and culture acids and further matured by For cheese making, four types of raw milk samples
bacteria or mold e.g., Cheddar, brick, Swiss etc. On (i.e., of cow, buffalo, goat and sheep) were used.
the other hand, un-ripened cheese is produced by The raw fresh milk of each type was collected from
coagulation with acid such as soft cheeses (cottage, the dairy farm of The University of Agriculture,
cream cheese and Neufchatel cheese) [13]. Natural Peshawar. Three liters milk of each type was
cheese is normally categorized on the basis of their collected in a separate stainless steel containers.
moisture or degree of softness or hardness. Cottage The milk samples were next cooled and brought
is an example of soft cheese [13-14]. On the other to the laboratory of Food Science and Technology,
hand, processed cheese is prepared by combining The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan.
one or more natural cheese/s and adding emulsifying
salts. Processed cheese contains more moisture than 2.2 Milk Analysis
natural cheese. Flavoring and seasonings are added The milk samples were analyzed by lacto scan
frequently [13]. Thus, the varieties of cheese in the (model EKO milk 674, ultrasonic milk analyzer,
market are enormous, which is also reflected by the Bulgaria) for protein, fat, lactose, pH, ash and water
variability in the composition of the different types content [27].
of cheese [15].
Cheese can be manufactured from different 2.3 Preparation of Cheese
types of milk and one can have an idea about how Preparation of cottage cheese was conducted by the
good the quality of cheese might be while having method as described by [26], as shown in Fig. 1.
a look at the quality of milk from which it has The different milk samples were heated at 85°C,
been produced [16]. For instance, buffalo milk is
considered more appropriate than cow milk for
the production of good quality cheese [17]. Sheep
milk is also a good source for the production
of cheese, which is also a key raw material in
the milk processing industry [18]. Goat milk
results in cheese which lack compactness [19].
In general, cheese contains 55-70% moisture, 22-
27% fat, 17-18% protein, 2.0-2.5% lactose and
1.5- 2.0% minerals [20]. Nutritional composition
of cheese varies with its types; cheese which is
rich in calcium has beneficial effects in fighting
hypertension, osteoporosis as well as oral problems
[21]. Lot of peoples consumes cheese in a different
ways such as in stuffing, pizza toppings, cheese
blends, salads and sandwiches [22]. Differences in
the extent of acid production, composition of milk,
curd handling, moisture and ripening lead to the
development of various types of cheeses [23]. Over
the past several decades, milk of single species had
been used to produce cheese and cottage cheese has
not been given much attention [24-25]. So, the aim
of the present research work was to prepare cottage
cheese from milk of various milking species and to
Fig. 1. Flow chart for preparation of cheese form buffalo,
study their physicochemical and sensory properties.
cow, sheep and goat milk.
 Properties of Cottage Cheese made from Various Milk Sources 271
separately. Vinegar was added as coagulant at a
temperature of 75°C and allowed to curd the milk
with constant and gentle stirring until coagulation
takes place. The curd was allowed to settle for 5
minutes and the whey was drained with a muslin
cloth. Then the curd was pressed for 20 minutes
at room temperature to get cheese. The prepared
cheese samples were then analyzed in term of
physicochemical properties and sensory attributes.
2.4 Physicochemical Properties
2.4.1 Proximate Composition
The proximate composition such as moisture,
protein, fat, ash and pH of all the cheese samples
were analyzed via the recommended methods of
AOAC [27].
2.4.2 Coagulation Time
Coagulation time was measured in seconds
according to method described by Spurgeon et al..
[28].
2.4.3 Cheese Yield
The yield of cheese was calculated by the method
described by Kosikowski and Mistry [29]. Percent
yield was calculated by using following formula:
2.5 Sensory Evaluation
The prepared cottage cheese samples were evaluated
for sensory attributes namely color, flavor, texture,
taste, after taste and overall acceptability by using
Fig. 2. Solid not-fat (%) of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.
9 point Hedonic scale of Larmond [30]. The
panel consists of 17 members to perform sensory
analysis. The cheese samples were offered to the
members randomly in small translucent bowls
and were requested to judge the samples on basis
of their color, flavor, taste, after taste and overall
acceptability. The panelists ranked the cottage
cheese samples from 1 “dislike extremely” to 9
“like extremely”.
2.6 Statistical Analysis
The data was given to one way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) using CRD and means were separated
by least significant difference test [31].
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSION
3.1 Milk Composition
In this section, the compositions of milk of different
samples were discussed. The milk samples were
analyzed for selected parameters such as solid not
fat, protein, fat, lactose, pH and ash content.
3.1.1 Solid not Fat
Results regarding solid not-fat (SNF) of different
species of milk are shown in Fig. 2. Statistical
analysis indicated that source of milk has significant
(p < 0.05) influence on SNF content. The SNF of
milk samples were in the range of 7.06 % (goat)
to 9.51 % (sheep). Similar results were reported
by Kanwal et al. [1] regarding SNF content of
buffalo, sheep, cow and goat. They observed higher
percentage of SNF content in sheep milk. On the
272 Sadia Rasheed et al

Fig. 3. Fat content (%) of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.

other hand, results reported by Pandya and Ghodke
[31] were slightly different and this might be due
to the variation in breed, diet and animal health
and environmental conditions [1, 33-34]. Hence,
concluded that SNF content not only depends on
source of milk but also depends on various factors
such as breeds, animal feed and season.
3.1.2 Fat Content
The statistical analysis showed that fat contents
of milk of various sources were significantly (p <
0.05) different from each other (Fig. 3). The mean
fat content of goat, cow, buffalo and sheep was 3.03,
3.55, 6.2 and 6.91 %, respectively. Sheep milk has
a maximum fat content, while minimum fat content
was observed in goat milk. No significant difference
was found in fat content of goat and cow milk. Fat
contents of cow, buffalo, sheep and goat were in the
range of 4.56–8.96% [1]. While Pandya and Ghodke
[32] observed that the fat content of cow, goat and
sheep varied from 3.7% to 7.90%. Similar results
were reported by Mahmood and Usman [35], who
found fat content of 3.16 % (goat milk) and 6.99
% (buffalo milk). Previously, this was observed
that sheep milk has higher fat content than buffalo,
goat and cow milk [1, 32, 35], as evident from the
present findings (Fig. 3). Generally, fat content is
based on milk sources.
3.1.3 Protein Content
Milk protein is considered as one of the most
important nutrient for human consumption. After
fat, protein is the next most modified component
of milk [1]. Fig. 4 shows protein content (%) of

Fig. 4. Protein content (%) of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.
 Properties of Cottage Cheese made from Various Milk Sources 273
Fig. 5. Lactose content (%) of cow, sheep, buffalo and goat milk samples.
milk from buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk.
Mean protein content of various sources of milk
was in the range of 3.37 % (goat) to 4.77 %
(sheep). Statistical analysis showed that protein
content varied significantly (P < 0.05) among the
samples, except for cow and goat milk. However,
maximum amount of protein was found in sheep
milk as compared to the rest of milk samples. It was
examined that protein content was present in an
adequate amount in buffalo milk [35-36]. During
this research work, minimum protein content was
observed in goat milk that resembled to the findings
of Mahmood and Usman [35].
3.1.4 Lactose Content
Lactose content of milk of different species is
illustrated in Fig. 5. It is the main carbohydrate
of milk [1]. Results indicated that lactose content
of goat milk was significantly (P < 0.05) different
from buffalo, sheep and cow milk samples. Higher
amount of lactose content was found in cow milk
(4.93 %) and lower was observed in goat milk
(4.33 %). Data revealed that source of milk has
significant influence on lactose content of milk.
Lactose content was in the range of 4.5 to 4.75 %
[11]. It was observed that lactose content found in
goat, cow and sheep milk was in agreement with
the findings of Mahmood and Usman [35]. Kanwal
et al. [1] observed that milk source and season has
significant influence on lactose content. Variation
in lactose content might be due to the differences
in the breed, feeding and environmental conditions
[32-34].
3.1.5 Ash Content
Fig. 6 shows the percent ash content of various
sources of milk. Ash content of goat and cow milk
samples were significantly (P < 0.05) different from
that of buffalo and sheep milk. However, sheep and
buffalo milk has higher (0.8 %) ash content while
goat has lower (0.72 %) ash content. The variation
in ash content is because of the variation in sources
that have significant effect on ash content [35].
They further observed that ash content of cow,
sheep, buffalo and goat was in the range of 0.4 to
0.99 %. Similar results were reported by various
researchers, who observed variation in ash content
of milk obtained from different species [36-38].
Feed, season, animal condition and management
have significant role in the ash content of milk [32-
34].
3.1.6 pH
The pH value of different milk samples are
presented in Fig. 7. The results revealed that mean
pH value of various milk samples varied from 5.73
to 6.28. Maximum pH was found in case of goat
milk (6.28), while sheep milk showed a low pH
level (5.73). Results presented that pH value of
sheep milk was significantly (P < 0.05) different
from buffalo, goat and cow milk samples. The pH
value observed in buffalo milk was in agreement
274 Sadia Rasheed et al

Fig. 6. Ash content (%) of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.

Fig. 7. pH values of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.

with the results of Kanwal et al. [1], Braun and
Stefanie [39], and Imran et al. [36]. The pH values
of cow milk were in the range of 6.59-6.67 and that
of goat milk were in the range of 6.48-6.64 [1, 38,
40]. The variation in pH values in various samples
might be due to the differences in breed, diet and
environmental conditions [1, 32-34].
recorded in sheep milk (80.62 %). Abdelgawad
et al. [41] observed higher water content in case of
goat and cow milk. Cow milk contains a consider-
able amount of water that ranged from 87.2 to 87.4
% [11, 32]. Health of animal, stage of lactation,
breed and somehow animal age has significant
influence on water content of milk [11, 32].

3.1.7 Water Content 3.2 Cheese Properties

Water content of various milk sources is listed
in Fig. 8. Results illustrated that water content
of sheep, buffalo, cow and goat milk was 80.62,
83.22, 87.55, and 88.5 %, respectively. Statistical
analysis showed a significant (P < 0.05) difference
between the water content of various source of
milk. Maximum water content was observed for
goat milk (88.5 %), while minimum value was
In this section, the properties of cottage cheese
samples prepared from different milk sources were
studied. The cheese samples were analyzed for
selected parameters such as coagulation time, yield,
protein, fat, pH, ash content and moisture content.
3.2.1 Coagulation Time
Coagulation time is the interval between coagulant
 Properties of Cottage Cheese made from Various Milk Sources 275
Fig. 8. Water content (%) of buffalo, cow, sheep and goat milk samples.
addition and appearance of flakes of curd in the
milk. The coagulation time of cottage cheese made
from different sources of milk is illustrated in
Table 1. The mean values of coagulation time of
cottage cheese samples were in the range of 18.3
sec to 27.33 sec. Statistical analysis indicated
that source of milk has significantly (P < 0.05)
influenced the coagulation time during cheese
preparation. Coagulation time of cow and goat milk
was statistically different from that of buffalo and
sheep milk. However, cow milk took longer time
(27.33 sec) to coagulate as compared to the other
milk sources. Milk coagulation time decreased with
increasing processing temperature [42]. Results of
cow milk cheese are in covenant with the findings of
Ali and Qazi [43]. During the preparation of cheese,
increase in temperature speed up the proteolytic
action of milk due to which milk coagulation
time reduced [42]. In the same way, coagulation
time can speed up by the addition of coagulants at
higher temperature [44]. The present results also
resembled with the findings of Qayyum and Akhter
[45]. The coagulation process is influenced by the
casein content, coagulant used, pH and processing
temperature [46-47].
3.2.2 Percent Yield
Cheese yield is well-defined as the amount of
cheese expressed in kilograms achieved from 100
kg of milk [48]. Percent yield of cottage cheese
prepared from goat, cow, sheep and buffalo milk
are shown in Table 1. The yield (%) of cottage
cheese samples were in the range of 16.50 % (goat
milk) to 22.96 % (sheep milk). Statistical analysis
showed non-significant (P ≤ 0.05) influence of
different milk sources on percent yield of cottage
cheese. However, it was observed that cheese
prepared from sheep milk has high percent yield as
compared to the rest of the cheese samples. Related
results were stated by Zeng et al. [49] and Mercanti
et al. [50], who found cheese yield in the range of
16.3 to 20.37 %. Milk with higher solid content
gave higher cheese yield [48]. Similarly, Zeng et al.
[49] and Soryal et al. [51] reported that total solids,
protein (casein content) and fat content of milk
has influenced the cheese yield significantly and
positively. They further observed that early and late
lactation stages influence cheese yield significantly
than mid lactation period. This might be due to
high solid contents in early and late lactations
stage. Additionally, cheese yield is also influenced
by somatic cells count, vat design, pasteurization
temperature, type of coagulants, firmness, curd
cutting and manufacturing procedures [48, 52-53].
This is revealed from the data presented in this study
that sheep milk produce cheese with high yield.
3.2.3 pH
The data regarding pH of cottage cheese made
from different sources of milk are shown in Table
1. Results indicated that the average pH value of
cottage cheese prepared from various milk sources
varied from 3.6 to 4.3. Data revealed that source
of milk has non-significant (P ≤ 0.05) influence
276 Sadia Rasheed et al
Table 1. Comparison of coagulation time, percent yield and pH of cottage cheese prepared form buffalo,
cow, sheep and goat milk.
Cheese samples Coagulation time (sec)
Buffalo 18.3 a*
Cow 27.33 b
Sheep 13.00 a
Goat 25.33 b
*Values followed by different letters are significantly different from each other (P < 0.05)
on cheese samples. Maximum pH value (4.3) was
observed in cheese made from cow milk than rest
of the cheese samples. pH is considered to be the
best indicator of food quality and their protection
during production and storage [54]. The cottage
cheese was reported to have pH value ranging from
3.7 to 4.6 [55-57]. Similarly, pH value observed
in cow milk cottage cheese was in agreement with
the results of Kassa [57]. pH might be affected by
the coagulating agents and enzymatic action [7].
Lawrence and Gills [58] revealed that higher level
of pH is due to the type of coagulant used in the
process of cheese making and type of milk. On
the other hand, Seifu [56] illustrated that lower
pH of cheese may contribute to its long shelf life.
Thus, concluded that pH plays important role in
coagulation, taste and shelf life of cottage cheese.
3.2.4 Moisture Content
Moisture content of cottage cheese samples is
presented in table 2. The average value of moisture
content of cottage cheese samples were in the range
of 45.26 % (sheep) to 51.63 % (goat). Results
revealed that moisture content has no significant (P
≤ 0.05) effect on various cheese samples. Results of
moisture content of sheep milk were closely related
to those of Mercanti et al. [50], who observed
moisture content in the range of 41.3 to 45.0 %.
Similar results were reported by [56], who revealed
that lower moisture content in cheese extends the
shelf life. In the same way, higher moisture content
in buffalo milk cheese milk is due to the longer
coagulation time, which leads to the accumulation
of moisture content [7]. Thus, concluded that
moisture content is affected by coagulation time
which is very important for increasing the storage
life of cheese.
Percent yield (%) pH
20.65 3.8
19.68 4.3
22.96 3.7
16.50 3.6
3.2.5 Ash Content
Table 2 presents percent ash content of cottage
cheese made from buffalo, cow, sheep and goat
milk. The mean ash content of various cheese
samples varied from 2.49 % to 3.25 %. It was
detected that buffalo milk cheese has high level
of ash content than the rest of the cheese samples.
Khan and Masud [7] revealed that ash content in
cheese of buffalo milk ranged from 2.4 to 2.7 %.
They further reported that the minerals in final
product were characterized by the ash content of
cheese and it might be influenced by the strength of
the brine solution used during cheese preparation.
The average ash content of cheese recorded in the
present study for buffalo and cow milk cheeses
were in line with the observations of Masud et al.
[59]. They found 2.53 % and 2.67 % ash content in
cow and buffalo milk cheese, respectively.
3.2.6 Fat Content
Fat content of cottage cheese prepared from various
milk sources are given in table 2. Results illustrated
that fat content of goat, sheep, cow and buffalo
were in the range of 22.5, 23.5, 23.6 and 24.2 (%),
respectively. Statistically it was observed that fat
content of goat milk was significantly (P ≤ 0.05)
different from rest of the cheese samples. High level
of fat content was found in buffalo milk cheese,
while low level of fat content was found in goat
milk cheese. During preparation of cheese, a proper
ratio between fat and protein contents of milk must
be maintained that affects the final properties of
cheese [48]. It was further reported by them that
one of the chief element that defines the specific
body, texture and flavor of cheese is fat. Our results
are in accordance with the findings of Khan and
Masud [7], who observed 21.4 to 23.6 % fat content
 Properties of Cottage Cheese made from Various Milk Sources 277
in cheese samples. On the other hand, Soryal et al.
[51] and Zeng et al. [59] reported that differences in
milk composition (casein and fat) are the two main
factors responsible for differences in cheese yield.
Similar results were reported regarding fat content
of cottage cheese made from cow milk [56, 59]. In
contrast, Masud et al. [59] observed high fat content
in buffalo milk cheese. They further reported that
differences in fat content of cheese might be due to
the SNF ratio of the milk. When whey is drained off
lots of fat losses can occur.
3.2.7 Protein Content
Results concerning protein content of cottage
cheese made from different milk sources are given
in table 2. Each cottage cheese samples have their
own protein values varied from 13.50 % (goat)
to 19.03 % (buffalo). It was found that protein
content of goat and cow milk was significantly
(p < 0.05) different from sheep and buffalo. The
present results are in accordance to those reported
by Omotosho et al. [60]. Low protein content was
observed in case of cheese prepared from goat
milk [61]. Similarly, Talib et al. [62] reported that
pickling of cheese caused reduction in protein
content due to its degradation. As a result of this,
water soluble components are formed, which lead
to loss of protein in the pickling solution. Similar
observations were reported by Ismail and Osman
[63].
3.3 Sensory Evaluation
The prepared cottage cheese samples were presented
to the panel of judges for sensory analysis. The
judges were asked to score each samples from
extremely liked (9) to extremely disliked (1) in
terms of color, flavor, taste, after taste and overall
Table 2. Comparison of moisture, ash, fat and protein content of cottage cheese prepared form buffalo,
cow, sheep and goat milk.
Cheese source Moisture (%)
Buffalo 48.46
Cow 47.73
Sheep 45.26
Goat 51.63
*Values followed by different letters are significantly different from each other (P < 0.05)
acceptability, as discussed below.
3.3.1 Color
Table 3 presents the results in regards to color of
cottage cheese prepared from various sources
of milk. The color score of the different cheese
samples ranged from 7.9 to 8.6. Sources of milk
has no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the color of
prepared cottage cheese. However, cottage cheese
prepared from sheep milk has higher mean color
value than rest of the cheese samples. The cottage
cheese prepared from cow and buffalo were highly
acceptable (6.91 to 7.00) in term of color [64]. The
results are closely related to the results reported
by Boppanna [66] and Masud et al. [59], who
observed more acceptable color and appearance
of cow milk cheese as compared to the buffalo
milk cheese. Chawla et al. [65] observed decrease
in color of cottage cheese due to dull and dry
surface appearance. Additionally, dullness and dry
appearance in cheese might be due to the deficiency
of shine, which fat provides when present in minute
amount.
3.3.2 Flavor
Table 3 shows data regarding flavor of cottage
cheese samples, which varied from 7.5 to 8.1. This
is revealed from statistical analysis that source of
milk has no significant (P > 0.05) effect on cottage
cheese samples. However, goat milk cheese has
higher mean flavor score as compared to the other
samples. Flavor is the feeling created by a material
taken in the mouth, perceived mainly by the senses
of taste and smell [61]. Results regarding flavor of
goat milk cheese are in accordance with the results
of Soryal et al. (2004), who observed a score of
8.29 in case of cheese made from goat milk. They
Ash (%) Fat (%) Protein (%)
2.49 24.2 b* 19.03 c
2.79 23.6 b 14.57 a
3.25 23.5 b 16.60 b
2.58 22.5 a 13.50 a
278 Sadia Rasheed et al
further reported that the concentrations of free
fatty acids (FFA), mostly short chain fatty acids,
in cheese significantly influence cheese flavor and
aroma. Too much FFA persuades a nasty, sour and
unpleasant taste to cheese [67]. Similarly, results
regarding buffalo milk cheese resembled with the
findings of Khan and Masud [7]. Flavor of milk
fat might also cause higher score of cheese [59].
The flavor of cheese prepared from goat milk was
highly acceptable with an average flavor score of
8.62 [68-69]. Soryal et al. [68] demonstrated that a
delicate “goaty” flavor was observed in goat cheese
which was due to the abundant amount of short
chain fatty acids in goat milk as compared to cheese
made from cow milk.
3.3.3 Texture
The texture of cottage cheese of various samples is
illustrated in table 3. Results indicated that the mean
texture value of cottage cheese samples were in the
range of 7.5 to 9.0. Statistical analysis revealed that
milk source had significantly (p < 0.05) influenced
the texture of cottage cheese. Texture of cheese
prepared from goat milk was extremely liked by the
panel of judges as compared to rest of the cheese
samples. Cheese prepared from buffalo milk got
low score in term of texture. Texture is an essential
feature of food as it influences processing, handling
and storage life as well as customer preferences
for the product [70]. Results of buffalo cheese
(7.2) resembled with those reported by Khan and
Masud [7]. Similar results were obtained by Masud
et al. [59], who observed that texture of cow milk
cheese was extremely acceptable than buffalo milk
cheese. On the other hand, Kumar and Srinivasan
[71] reported that texture of cheese might be
affected by the water binding capacity due to the
nature of protein. These results also agreed with the
Table 3. Comparison of sensory properties of cottage cheese prepared form buffalo, cow, sheep and goat
milk.
Cheese Color Flavor Texture
samples
Buffalo 7.9 7.6 7.5 a
Cow 8.1 7.5 8.2 b
Sheep 8.6 7.8 8.3 b
Goat 8.4 8.1 9.0 c
findings of Pinto et al. [64]. However, Karadbhajne
and Bhoyarkar [70] observed that fat, cheese yield
and moisture content as well as coagulants plays
an important role in cheese texture. They further
reported that storage period also affect the texture
of cheese. In the same way, Chawla et al. [65]
demonstrated that the body and texture of cottage
cheese was affected by the fat content in milk.
Cottage cheese with lower fat content was analyzed
to be firm and elastic [64].
3.3.4 Taste
Table 3 presents the taste of cottage cheese made
from various types of milk. The mean value for
taste of cottage cheese samples were in the range of
8.1 to 8.9. Statistical analysis indicated that various
milk sources have non-significant (P > 0.05) effect
on taste of cottage cheese samples. However, taste
of goat milk cheese was more acceptable than rest
of the cheese samples. Results are in agreements
with the findings of Adedokun et al. [72], as they
found variation in taste score of cow milk cheese
by using different coagulants. Fats play a vital role
in defining the representative flavor and taste of
cheese [64]. Results are also in accordance with the
observation of Khan and Masud [7].
3.3.5 After-taste
The mean after-taste value of cottage cheese
samples ranged from 7.8 to 8.4 (Table 3). Similar
to taste, source of milk has no significant (P >
0.05) influence on after-taste of all the samples.
All the prepared cheese samples were highly
acceptable in terms of after-taste by the panel of
judges. However, cheese prepared from cow and
goat milk was more acceptable than that of buffalo
and sheep milk cheeses. Results of after-taste are
Taste Aftertaste Overall
acceptability
8.1 7.9 8.1
8.4 8.4 8.4
8.5 7.8 8.1
8.6 8.4 8.6
 Properties of Cottage Cheese made from Various Milk Sources 279
almost similar with the work of Adedokun et al.
[72]. They found substantial variance on after taste
of cheese prepared form cow milk with the addition
of soymilk.
3.3.6 Overall Acceptability
The overall acceptability of cottage cheese prepared
from various sources of milk is presented in Table 3.
The average mean values of cottage cheese samples
varied from 8.1 to 8.6. Statistical analysis specified
that the overall acceptability of various cheese
samples prepared from buffalo, cow, sheep and goat
milk showed non-significance (P > 0.05) among
each other. However, cheese made from goat milk
was extremely liked when compared to the rest of
the cottage cheese samples. Overall acceptability of
cottage cheese appeared to be slightly higher than
that reported by Pinto et al. [64], who found a mean
score of 6.23 to 6.99. On the other hand, overall
acceptability scores were not in agreement with the
findings of Drake et al. [73] and Boppanna [66],
as they observed significantly lower score. Hence,
concluded that source of milk and its composition
has significantly influenced the overall acceptability
of cottage cheese.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The sheep milk has high level of ash, protein, fat and
SNF. On the other hand, pH and water content were
higher in goat milk, while maximum lactose content
was measured in cow than other milks. Sheep milk
coagulated quickly than rest of the milk sources.
Sheep milk produced cheese with high yield and
high level of ash content. While cheese prepared
from buffalo milk contains maximum fat and protein
contents. In case of sensory evaluation, the color of
sheep milk cheese was liked more than cheese from
other milk sources by the panel members. On the
other hand, flavor, texture and taste of goat cheese
were extremely liked. In terms of after taste, all the
prepared cheese samples were rated higher. Buffalo
milk cheese got comparatively lower score in terms
of overall acceptability. Generally, all cottage
cheese samples were of desirable quality attributes,
but cottage cheese prepared from goat milk was
more likeable compared to the ones prepared from
other milk sources.
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