Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Journal of food science and technology(Iran)

Impact of Mixing Camel Milk with Other Species Milk on the Physiochemical Properties and Sensory Acceptability of Yogurt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Atheer Jasim Mohammed 1
Ahmad Hamad Muhammed 2
Mohanad Mahdi Jumaa 3
1 Tikrit University, Faculty of Food Science / Al-Shirqat, Department of Dairy Science and Technology, 34005, Salah Al Deen, Iraq.
2 Tikrit University Faculty of Food Science Department of Dairy Science and Technology
3 Tikrit University, Faculty of Food Science / Al-Shirqat, Department of Food Science and Technology, 34005, Salah Al Deen, Iraq.
10.48311/fsct.2026.118181.82977
Abstract
This study was conducted during 2022–2023 in the laboratories of Tikrit and Kirkuk Universities to evaluate the possibility of manufacturing yogurt by mixing camel milk with cow, sheep, goat, and buffalo milk at ratios of 25–75% and 50–50%. The physiochemical and organoleptic properties of the produced yogurt were examined, including protein content, titratable acidity, viscosity, water retention, and whey-off over three weeks of cold storage. Statistically, camel milk blends with sheep, goat, and buffalo milk showed superior chemical characteristics, with protein values ranging between 5.25–5.48%, ash content between 0.92–0.97%, and dry matter between 11.64–13.58%. Blends of camel and cow milk exhibited reduced viscosity and a drop in pH, leading to weaker texture. Increasing camel milk levels decreased yogurt viscosity and delayed coagulation due to differences in protein composition. In contrast, camel–goat milk blends improved texture, viscosity, and product stability. Shelf-life tests showed that camel–goat and camel–buffalo blends had the best water retention and lowest whey-off compared with other treatments. Sensory evaluation indicated superior taste, texture, and overall acceptability for blends containing goat and buffalo milk, while camel–cow blends were less preferred. Sensorial properties decreased gradually during storage, with the 25–75% camel–cow blend showing relatively higher quality and stability among cow-based treatments. Overall, the findings confirm that mixing camel milk with non-bovine species, especially goat and buffalo, improves yogurt quality and strengthens its structural network compared with cow milk. Further research is recommended to enhance structural properties by incorporating natural thickening agents or fruit juices to improve texture and consumer acceptability.
Keywords
Functional Yogurt
Camel Milk
Organoleptic tests
Wheying-off
Water Retention

Subjects

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