Comparative micelle structure: II. Structure and composition of casein micelles in ovine and caprine milk as compared with those in bovine milk

Summary The casein micelles of sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus) and cow (Bos taurus) milks have been examined by electron microscopy. The ovine micelles were smaller than bovine micelles, most being below 80 nm diam. The caprine micelles were either large (c. 200 nm diam.), easily sedimented and electron-dense, or small (below 80 nm) and similar to the ovine micelles. Examination of the micelles using the freeze-etch technique showed, however, that they were all composed of subunits of similar dimensions (10–15 nm diam.). Electrophoresis of the caseins showed that there were differences between them, with the caprine casein containing a smaller proportion of its protein in the more mobile components. The mineral contents of the milks were also different, but these were apparently related to the different pH and casein contents of the milks. It is likely that the diiferences in micelle size distribution are determined by the physical and chemical properties of the casein components.