RESEARCH ARTICLE

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Copyright 2015 American Scientific Publishers

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Printed in the United States of America

Advanced Science Letters

Vol. XXXXXXXXX

GOATS MILK CONSUMPTION AMONG

MUSLIM MALAYSIAN RESIDENTS IN PULAU
LANGKAWI, KEDAH
Nur Syazana Umar, Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani, Zairina A. Rahman, Khairun Nain Nor Aripin,
Faizul Helmi Addnan, Muhammad Shamsir Mohd Aris, Nooriah Mohamed Salleh
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM),
Level 13, Menara B, Persiaran MPAJ,Jalan Pandan Utama, Pandan Indah,
55100, Pandan Indah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract
Goats milk can be considered as one type of natural functional food due to its nutritional
benefits. Nowadays, the dairy milk production in Malaysia is focusing more on cows milk compared to goats
milk. However, the demand for goats milk is increasing especially among Muslims as it is considered as one of
the foods consumed by the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 221
residents in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah. This study showed that the practice of drinking goats milk among the local
residents was still low; only 11.8 % of the residents consumed goats milk daily and 40% chose goats milk in its
powdered form. The main barriers to goats milk consumption included: not interested to consume goats milk
(54.%), unpleasant taste (51.3%) and non-staple food (50.8%). This study also found that knowledge (r=0.200,
p=0.003) and attitude (r=0.174, p<0.001) are positively correlated with goats milk consumption. In conclusion,
further health intervention need to be done to promote the practice of drinking goats milk. With proper
knowledge and positive attitude the consumption of goats milk may improve the quality of life and sustain
optimal wellness and health throughout life
Keywords: goats milk, consumption, Muslims, prophet, health benefits

1. INTRODUCTION
In Malaysia, the demand for goats milk is low compared
to cows milk. However, it has been observed that is now
an increasing demand for goats milk as evident by the
numbers of fresh pasteurized goats milk sold in large
supermarkets such as Giant, Tesco and Jaya Grocery. The
approximate price ranges from RM 5 to RM 6 per 250
ml. Besides the industry of fresh goats milk, we are able
to see the increasing demands for powdered goats milk
brands products such as KariHome, Purenat and Organic
Forest goats milk sold in the pharmacies and the local
*

Email Address: syeezs03@gmail.com

Market. For Malaysian Muslim consumers, the beliefs

between nutritional values of goats milk is closely related
to what has been revealed in the Holy Quran and
following on what has been practiced by prophet
Muhammmad (pbuh). The consumption of milk has been
documented in the Holy Quran, verse 66, Surah AlAnam (which means The Cattle); And indeed, for you
in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from
what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood pure milk, palatable to drinkers.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the icon for
Muslims; he has taught the Muslims the best way to
obtain good physical, mental emotional health (Hashman
2011). In hadith narrated by Sahih Muslim, Al-Bara'
reported: When Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Adv. Sci. Lett. X, XXXXXX, 2015

him) went forth from Mecca to Medina, Suraqa b. Malik
b. Ju'shum pursued him. Allah's Messenger (may peace
be upon him) invoked curse upon him, and his horse sank
(in the desert). He (Suraqa) said: (Allah's Messenger),
invoke blessings for me and I will do no harm to you. He
(the Holy Prophet) then supplicated Allah. (At that time)
he (the Holy Prophet) felt thirsty, and they happened to
pass by a shepherd. Abu Bakr Siddiq said: I took hold of a
bowl and milked some milk into it for Allah's Messenger
(may peace be upon him) and gave it to him. He drank it
and I was pleased.
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES
There are still lack of scientific data regarding the
production of goats milk and its practice in Malaysia.
Cows milk is much more preferred by Malaysians due to
the cheaper price (about RM 4/litre) compared to fresh
goats milk (about RM 20/litre). However, it can be seen
that the practice of goats milk is generally well accepted
due to traditional beliefs regarding goats milk benefits
(Shanmugavelu & Hassan 2014). Nowadays, the demand
for goats milk products in the area of Halal market and
this is evident in the abundance of goats milk products
such as Hi Goat, Wildan, and Suffy brands sold in the
retail market by Malaysian Muslim entrepreneurs Most of
the goats milk products are sold in powdered form and
blended with other prophetic foods such as dates,
pomegranates, black seeds and honey.Before this, there
were very few studies focussed on the practice of
drinking goats milk and the factors influencing goats
milk consumption. This study was conducted to gain
some insights for the relevant authorities to strategize
and expand the consumption of goats milk to the public
due to its numerous health benefits.
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
The food consumed by the individual or
community can reflect how strong the person holds on to
their religion (Rezai et al. 2010). In decision making
processes, religion is the most essential element that
guides an individual to act according to the laws and
ethics (Johnson et al. 2010). Furthermore, ones eating
habit is also influenced by religion (Mullen et al. 2000).
Goats play significant roles in religion, economy,
nutrition, tradition, daily routines and many more
(Boyazoglu et al. 2005). Goats milk and meat also
mentioned in Genesis, the book of Bible. Besides, the
prohibition of boiling a goat in its mother's milk or to
consume or cook meat and dairy together has also been
mentioned in the book of Taurah and this has been
followed strictly by Jews and has been practiced in their
Kosher principle (Welfeld 2000). According to the ancient
Egyptian history, goat-milk has been one of the Pharaoh
Tutankhamens favorite meals and during that time, he
had instructed to place 22 tubes of goats milk cheese to
be placed in his tomb, not only for the purpose of
nourishment, but for the purpose of worship as well

(Slatkin 2005). The Khasi tribe of Assam in northern

India, considered the use of cows or goats milk as sinful,
irreligious and forbidden act (Simoons 1970).
Goats milk also can be categorized as a
functional food due to its high nutritional values which is
beneficial to health (Yangilar 2013).
There were
numerous scientific studies showing the beneficial health
effects of goats milk. From the scientific perspective,
goats milk has the highest mineral composition of
calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
compared to cow and human milk (Bihaqi & Jalal
2010)..Goats milk also has more taurine than cows milk,
which become an essential amino acid for human beings
for growth and brain development (Belewu & Adewole
2009). Another study showed that higher content of
cysteine helps to improve intestinal absorption in
malabsorption syndrome (Barrionuevo et al. 2002).
Moreover, goats milk has become a new
alternative to avoid cows milk allergy and this leads to
the increase in demand of goat milk especially in UK in
which at least 5% of the population are unable to
consume cows milk (Mowlem 2005). In Kenya, goats
milk becomes the alternative way for patients with
HIV/AIDS to improve their quality of life in terms of
nutrition and health through dairy goats farming
(Muriithi & Wokabi 2011). Besides, Riberio et al. (2010)
concluded that goats milk is very beneficial to human
skin due to the main active compound in goats milk
called as caprylic acid which acts as skin moisturizer and
skin regenerator. Moreover, during the time of ancient
Chinese in 1578, goats milk was used as a tonic for the
improvement of the digestive system (Wu et al. 2006). An
ethnobotanical study in one tribal area in Southern
Rajasthan found that goats milk was used along with
Corchorus depressus (Lin) which act as a tonic to
improve sexual vitality (Jain et al. 2004).
4. METHODOLOGY
A.

Study Design

This cross-sectional study involved 221 local residents

attending the outpatient clinics in Hospital Langkawi,
Kedah. The respondents were selected randomly by using
the name lists of patients attending the outpatient clinics.
The sample size was obtained from the OpenEpi
software.
B.

Survey Development and Administration

This study was conducted using face to face interviews in

obtaining information regarding the practice of goats
milk consumption as well as knowledge regarding the
health benefits of goats milk and their religious
perceptions. The questionnaires used in this study were
developed based on extensive literature review, had been
reviewed by expert panels consisting of public health
2

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consultants, nutritional experts and religious scholars.

There were questions on Food Frequency (3
questionnaires), religious belief (3 questions), attitude (3
questions) and knowledge of the health benefits of goats
milk (5 questions). The questionnaires had been pilot
tested and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis.
The reliability test was also tested and the Cronbach
Alpha for each construct was 0.703, 0.879, 0.850 and
0.891. This study was conducted over 3 months duration
from October 2015 to January 2016. Approval from the
Hospital Director and informed written consent from all
the respondents were obtained prior to the study
5.

RESULTS

A.

Socio-Demographic Characteristics

Table I display the socio-demographics of the

respondents. The mean age was 32.4 years. All
respondents were Malay Muslims. Majority of the
respondents were female, married and 32.1% of (n=71)
had completed their education (college or university) and
73% (n=21) had Islamic education..
Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics Of
Respondents (n=221)
Characteristics
Frequency
Percentage
(n)
(%)
Gender
Male
37
16.7
Female
184
83.3
Age (years)
Mean (SD)
Marital status
Married
Single
Widowed
Education level
College/university
Pre U/ STPM
Vocationals
Secondary
Primary
None
Islamic education
Yes
No
B.

Table 2: Frequency Of Goats Milk Intake(n=221)

Frequency
Frequency
Frequency Percentage
of intake
of intake
( n)
(%)
Per day

1
2

18
8

8.1
3.6

Per week

1
2
3

13
4
4

6.0
1.8
1.8

Per month

1
2
3

20
7
4

9.0
3.2
1.8

Per year

52

23.5

Never
or
once in a
lifetime

91

41.2

32.4 (8.8)

109
106
6

49.3
48.0
2.7

71
34
4
102
8
2

32.1
15.4
1.8
46.2
3.6
0.9

109
112

49.3
51.7

The Consumption of Goats Milk

Based on the Malaysian Adult Nutritional Survey

(MANS), Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) has
been used to evaluate the consumption of food. Practice
3

of goats milk consumption was measured by asking 3

questionnaires (Norimah et al. 2008). The first FFQ was
related to the frequency of intake of each food item either
per day, per week, per month, per year or never. The
second FFQ was how many times the respondents took
the goats milk per day, per week, per month or per year
and then converted into the conversion factor. The third
FFQ was related to the serving size of the goats milk
either none or a sip, half cup, one cup, one and a half cup
or two cup or more. Table 2 shows the frequency of
goats milk consumption among the 221 respondents.
This study found that only 11.8% (n=26) of the
respondents consistently consumed goats milk every day
while 41.2% of the respondents (n=91) reported that they
never consumed or only consumed goats milk once in a
lifetime. Table 3 and 4 show that majority of the
respondents consumed one cup of goat milk and they
preferred to consume goats milk in powdered form.

Table 3: Serving size intake (n=221)

Serving size
Frequency
Percentage
( n)
(%)
None/ a sip

85

38.5

Half cup

4.1

One cup

116

52.5

One and a half cup

0.9

Two cups or more

4.1

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Adv. Sci. Lett. X, XXXXXX, 2015

Table 4: Types of goat milk consumed (n=130)
Serving size
Frequency
Percentage
(f)
(%)

Knowledge

Knowledge
-

Practice
0.200**

Fresh
milk

27

20.7

Practice
Belief

0.200**
0.204**

-0.062

Pasteurized milk

33

25.4

Attitude

0.576***

0.174**

Powdered milk

52

40.0

Fresh
unpasteurized
and powdered milk

2.3

Pasteurized
powdered milk

5.4

6.2

unpasteurized

and

All types of milk

C.
basis

60
Percentage(%)

Attitude
0.576**
*
0.174**
0.394**
*
-

0.394
**
Correlations with ** were significant at p<0.05
Correlations with *** were significant at p<0.001
6. DISCUSSION

Reasons not to consume goats milk in daily

50
40
30
20
10

Belief
0.204
**
-0.062
-

Price

Taste

Difficult
to find

Nonstaple

Not
interested

Yes

43.6

51.3

43.6

50.8

54.4

No

56.4

48.7

56.4

49.2

45.6

Fig. 1: Reasons not to consume goats mik (n=195)

D. Factors Influencing Goats Milk Consumption
Several questionnaires asked to the respondents were
related to factors influencing goats milk consumption.
Correlation results showed that knowledge (r=0.200,
p=0.003) and health related attitude (r=0.174, p<0.001)
have weak but significant positive relationship with
practice of goats milk consumption while religious belief
did not have significant relationship with the practice of
goats milk consumption (r= -0.062, p=0.362).
Meanwhile, knowledge was found to have strong and
positive correlation with attitude to consume goats milk
(r=0.576, p<0.001).
Table 5: Bivariate correlations between knowledge,
practice, religious belief and attitude (n=130)

In this study, most of the respondents only consume

goats milk once in a lifetime or had never consumed
goats milk. According to Norimah et al. (2008), the
prevalence of full cream milk consumption in rural
(15.1%) and urban areas (18.5%) was still low among
Malaysians compared to the use of sweetened condensed
milk consumption; rural (36.5%) and urban (34.9%). one
A study conducted in Singapore, found that 37% of the
population did not consume milk. However, they
preferred to consume full cream milk rather than
sweetened condensed milk (Yeo, 1998).
In this study, the main barriers for not taking
goats milk as part of their daily eating habit are because
they are not interested to consume goats milk (54.%), the
unpleasant taste (51.3%) and it is non-staple food
(50.8%) . One study in Malawi (Mpofu et al. 2010) found
that the respondents preferred to consume cows milk
compared to goats milk with main reasons, saying that
taking goats milk is not their usual habit (41%), flavor
attributes (27%) and non-availability of goat milk (23%).
According to Yangilar et al. (2013), unpleasant smell and
seasonal production were two main barriers of goats milk
consumption. In Indonesia, the promotion of goats milk
program by the government has not been sustainable due
to lower consumption of goats milk, high price, culture
and preference (Astuti et al. 2012). In Thailand, goats
milk consumption is still low because it is not considered
as staple food especially among Non-Muslim Thais.
Besides, the strong smell, lack of resources and lack of
knowledge were barriers to its consumption
(Anothaisintawee et al. 2012).
Study done by
Loewenstein et al. (1980) found that the goaty like flavor
of the milk was unfavorable, but in certain cheese
manufacturing area, the goaty flavor is required.
Taking milk or dairy products 1-3 times per day
can be considered as one of a healthy way of eating as
what has been stated in Malaysians Food Pyramid
(Ministry of Health 2013). Correlations results found that
attitude and knowledge regarding health benefits of goats
milk play significant roles in determining the
consumption of goats milk. According to Grnhj et al.
(2012), attitudes towards engaging in healthy eating have
direct relationship towards the intention to eat healthily.
4

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Knowledge also is crucial in determining ones individual
to start eating healthily (Wardle 2000).
This study also found that religious belief did not
have correlation with goats milk consumption. This
shows that although this practice had been done by the
prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and recommended in the
Holy Quran, the consumption of goats milk among the
respondents was still very low. Therefore, further health
intervention and strategies are crucial to promote goats
milk consumption especially in terms of its health and
religious advantages in order to increase the publics
awareness and intention to instil goats milk as one part of
their healthy eating practice. Study by Ishak et al. (2013)
found that the respondents did not inculcate yet the
practice of prophetic diet such as dates, honey and milk in
their everyday life. However, they are actually having the
intention to practice the teaching of eating from the
prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the future.
7. CONCLUSION
The consumption of goats milk with proper knowledge
and positive attitude will be able to improve the publics
quality of life and sustain optimal wellness and health
throughout life.

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[10]

[11]

[12]

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

[17]

This work was supported in part by the Ministry

of Education, Malaysia for funding this research through
Niche
Research
Grants
Scheme
(USIM/NRGS_P11/FPSK/8411/52113).

[18]

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