Milk Lipids

The lipids in milk exist as microscopic globules in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. On the interface between globules and milk plasma is a membrane that stabilizes the emulsion. Many factors can affect the milk lipid content, particularly genetics, feed, stage of lactation, and climate. Cow’s milk contains approximately 2.8 to 6% total lipids, 3.5 to 4% on average.