Composition of caprine whey protein concentrates produced by membrane technology after clarification of cheese whey

Caprine whey protein concentrates were manufactured by means of clarification by thermocalcic precipitation followed through ultrafiltration–diafiltration. The chemical, lipid and protein compositions of these caprine whey protein concentrates were evaluated and compared with those of the clarification by-products (aggregates) and a commercial bovine whey protein concentrate. Caprine whey protein concentrates with high protein content (74%) and low lipid content (6%) were obtained due to the clarification procedure. This pre-treatment increased the ash and calcium contents. The protein composition and the proportion of phospholipids and the main fatty acids were not influenced by the clarification procedure. The aggregates showed a different protein profile with the highest levels of caseinomacropeptide and immunoglobulin G. The caprine whey protein concentrates presented similar protein composition, lower content of phospholipids and higher content of saturated fatty acids of short chain than those observed in the bovine whey protein concentrate.