The IDF International symposium on sheep, goat and other non-cow milk has extended the submission deadline for proposals for oral or poster presentations for this event, to be held on 4th and 5th May 2020 in Brussels, Belgium. The closing date for submissions is 10th January 2020.

While cows produce much of the world’s milk supply, other non-cow milks are also widely distributed throughout the world. Milks regularly consumed include sheep, goat, yak, water buffalo, horse, reindeer, camel and others; contributing to sustainable livelihoods through support of the economy, rural and peri-urban livelihoods, the empowerment of women and food security.

“There is growing interest in a range of animal milks, including goat, buffalo and sheep milk in certain parts of the world,” said IDF Director General, Caroline Emond. “These types of milk represent great alternatives to cow’s milk and deliver nutrition, a range of different health benefits and opportunities for product diversification in the market.”

Research has demonstrated that buffalo milk has more fat, protein, lactose, and minerals than cow’s milk, while yak milk contains a richer amino acid composition. Sheep milk has a greater concentration of all ten essential amino acids, while goat milk fat globule composition makes it easier to digest.

New research showing that camel’s milk has potential as immune-boosting food makes it particularly appealing, and there is longstanding data on the hypoallergenic and therapeutic qualities of donkey and horse milk.

The symposium is inviting experts in the field to contribute their knowledge to the discussion on how to make the sheep, goat and other dairy animal sectors worldwide more sustainable, competitive and resilient.

Authors are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, on a range of topics including how to make productivity improvements, nutrition, tackling animal and udder health, processing technologies and quality and safety from farm to table.

In addition, scientific papers on nutrition, dairy science and technology and safety and quality will be invited for a special issue on the Elsevier International Dairy Journal. The event will be of interest to scientists and other professionals involved in the sheep’s, goat’s and other non-cow dairy sectors including milk producers, the dairy processing industry, trade associations, academia and governments.

More details on the symposium and keynote speakers presentations can be found on the IDF website https://www.fil-idf.org/sheepandgoat2020/.