Comparative analysis of milk composition and nutritional characteristics of cervids and domesticated dairy species

This review compared the milk composition and quality of five deer species; red deer (Cervus elaphus), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and moose (Alces alces); with a range of domesticated dairy species, including cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, yak, camel, donkey, and horse. Cervid milks are characterised by high total solids, elevated protein and fat, low lactose, and high casein and mineral content, reflecting ecological adaptations for rapid neonatal growth, thermoregulation, and speciesspecific maternal strategies. Roe deer, reindeer, and moose produce the most nutrient-dense milks, while red and fallow deer occupy intermediate positions. Compared with domesticated species, cervid milks show exceptional energy density and coagulation properties, offering potential for niche, high-value dairy products on small farms where conventional dairy is less competitive. This comparative analysis indicates the interaction of evolutionary, ecological, and physiological factors in shaping milk composition and provides a basis for the potential use of non-traditional milks in specialized dairy systems.