Ten samples of dried infant formulas were collected randomly from the local market and analysed for their chemical composition and some properties. The average moisture, fat, protein, carbohydrate and ash contents of these samples were 1.96 ± 1.07, 26.62 ± 2.45, 11.07 ± 2.23, 53.04 ± 2.31, 2.58 ± 1.19, respectively. Minerals were also determined and they were within the range of standard specifications of infant formulas while the energy averaged 68.45 ± 4.55 kcal /100ml. The pH value, acidity, solubility index, rennet clotting time (RCT) and digestibility of the analysed infant formulas with proteolytic enzymes were determined. Samples of human, cows' and buffaloes' milks were also analysed. Human milk contained total solids (TS) and fat contents more or less similar to that of cows' milk, while buffaloes' milk contained the higher TS and fat contents. Human milk contained lower protein, ash, and mineral contents and acidity and higher lactose than other milks. Buffaloes' milk had relatively higher energy value than human and cows' milk. Analysis of nitrogen distribution revealed that human milk contained lower amount of casein, and higher whey protein and non protein nitrogen than cows' and buffaloes' milk. β-lactoglobulin was almost absent in human milk. Also, human milk had higher pH and it did not coagulate with rennet.
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Key words: Infant formulas, Human Milk, Cow’s milk, Buffaloes milk, Chemical composition.
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