Buzz
Milk is one of the world’s most widely consumed and significant drinks. It’s something we start drinking as infants, and as we grow, it becomes a key ingredient in everything from desserts like ice cream to beverages like coffee. We consume it so frequently that it’s often taken for granted. Let’s pause for a moment and take a fresh, closer look at this peculiar white liquid.
10. Cow Cannibalism
Here’s a disturbing thought. If you saw a cow eating another cow, would you still drink its milk? Next time you’re at the store, you might want to consider this before picking up that carton because the milk you’re about to buy may come from a cannibalistic cow.
Dairy farmers rely on affordable methods to maintain the health and productivity of their cows. To produce milk in large quantities, cows require significant energy. This is where rendered fat plays a role. Rendering plants convert deceased animals into tallow, and approximately half of this fat is mixed into animal feed. So, when cows consume their daily grain, they’re likely eating a bit of their own kind.
It may sound like a dystopian horror scenario, but cow cannibalism isn’t actually a major concern. While feeding cows ground-up protein could lead to mad cow disease, rendered fat poses no such threat. In fact, it’s preferable to many vegetarian alternatives. Tallow is gentler on a cow’s digestive system than options like sunflower seeds, boosts fertility, and enhances milk production. Plus, replacing animal fat with grain would require three million acres of corn to make up for the difference, potentially increasing grocery prices.
Although the idea of cows consuming other cows may seem strange, perhaps we should just relax and savor a nice glass of cannibal milk.
9. Cows Might Enjoy Slow Jams (Possibly)
Next time you grab a carton of milk, you might want to thank Lou Reed. A 2001 study by researchers at the University of Leicester revealed that the Lou Reed song 'Perfect Day' has the power to get cows in the right mood for milk production.
Songs with fewer than 100 beats per minute are reported to boost milk production by 3 percent. Scientists believe these soothing tunes help the cows relax, leading to higher milk yields.
Other mellow songs that seem to do the trick include 'Bridge over Troubled Water' by Simon and Garfunkel, 'What a Difference a Day Makes' by Aretha Franklin, and 'Everybody Hurts' by R.E.M. However, opinions vary. While the researchers at Leicester defend their findings, the folks at Canada’s Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food remain doubtful.
According to the Canadians, no one has repeated these experiments since 2001, which raises some concerns. Moreover, if music really does have an impact, it’s likely not due to the songs themselves. Instead, the sound may simply mask the unsettling noises from the milking machines.
But hey, if you happen to have a few cows, it wouldn’t hurt to play 'Moon River' by Danny Williams, just in case.
8. Skim Milk and Silky Fabrics
Once upon a time, no one drank skim milk. A leftover from butter production, it was discarded like waste and dumped into rivers along with buttermilk and whey. By the 1920s, Wisconsin dairy plants were pouring over 18,000 kilograms (40,000 lb) of these unprocessed milk byproducts into the state's waterways every year, creating an unpleasant smell.
Under pressure to stop polluting the land and water (and reduce waste), dairy companies started seeking ways to repurpose skim milk. In the 1940s, they began selling it in dried form to the Allies, and in the 1950s, skim milk was marketed as a weight-loss aid. Suddenly, it became a fixture in supermarkets. However, the most fascinating use of skim milk had to do with its protein, casein.
In the 1930s, researchers in Italy and America discovered how to extract casein from skim milk, turning it into fiber that could be used in various projects. Need car seat upholstery? Casein can handle that. Looking for a faux fur hat? Casein is your answer! People even thought casein would revolutionize fashion, but interest in milk-based clothing began to decline in the late 1940s.
Yet, in recent years, casein has experienced a revival, thanks to German designer Anke Domaske. Founder of the fashion label Mademoiselle Chi Chi, Domaske has elevated skim milk fabric to a new level. In 2011, she created a new fiber called QMilch, or QMilk. QMilch is far more eco-friendly than the casein products of the 1930s and '40s. Made from milk unfit for human consumption, Domaske’s process eliminates the harmful chemicals typically involved in textile production.
Casein is extracted from dried milk and placed in a machine that chops it. Afterward, it's heated and spun into fine yarn. Once the fiber is ready, it’s available for Domaske to use in her designs. No need to worry—it’s completely washable and won’t go sour. Plus, it’s soft on the skin, making it a great option for those allergic to cotton.
7. Boys and Girls Receive Different Milk
By now, you’ve likely noticed that men and women are biologically distinct. Our bones differ, our plumbing is different, and unless someone invents Arnold Schwarzenegger-style science, men won’t be giving birth anytime soon. That’s not all—women tend to live longer than men, guys cope better with sleep deprivation, and women have an exceptional ability to distinguish colors.
We also receive different milk as babies.
In a research conducted on rhesus macaques, a mother’s milk varied depending on whether she had a male or female baby. When she gave birth to a son, her milk contained 35% more fat than it would for a daughter and was rich in proteins, likely to support the higher activity levels of male infants. On the other hand, if the macaque mother had a female, her milk was rich in calcium to promote strong bones. In addition, female monkeys tend to drink more milk, so over time, their fat intake catches up with that of the males.
Other animals, such as cows, gray seals, and red deer, also produce different types of milk. Humans are no exception. Research by Michigan State University on 72 Kenyan women revealed that mothers tend to produce milk that is richer in fat for boys than for girls. Interestingly, different factors also play a role, like socioeconomic status: poor mothers were found to produce creamier milk for girls, while wealthier mothers from Massachusetts produced more energy-packed milk for boys. Thus, human milk differs not only between sexes but also according to social contexts.
While numerous theories attempt to explain why mothers create varying milk types, scientists have not yet come to a complete conclusion. Many researchers believe these findings should influence the development of infant milk formulas, as early nutrition plays a crucial role in children's growth. Experts suggest that companies should consider adjusting their products to accommodate the different needs of boys and girls.
6. Most People Can’t Digest Milk
Grab a bowl of cereal and take a few bites. If you can finish the entire bowl without experiencing diarrhea, then congratulations! You’re part of a rare group.
While many of us don’t think twice about drinking milk, 60% of adults worldwide are unable to tolerate it. When humans stop nursing, they also cease producing lactase, the enzyme responsible for digesting the main sugar in milk. Without enough lactase, you become lactose intolerant, and drinking milk can lead to cramps, bloating, and nausea.
The remaining 40%, many of whom are from Europe, Africa, and India, are genetic outliers. Due to an ancient mutation, their bodies continue to produce lactase, which is why they can drink milk past infancy. This genetic change is thought to have occurred around 10,000 B.C. in the area near modern-day Turkey.
No one is entirely sure why this milk-tolerant gene emerged or how it spread so widely across Europe. Some researchers speculated that ancient Europeans, lacking sunlight, adapted by developing new ways to process vitamin D. Others believe the mutation helped supplement European diets during times when crops failed. Another theory suggests it could have been a way to increase women's body fat and, in turn, fertility.
Scientists have a clearer understanding of how Africans developed their ability to drink milk. While only about 25% of people of African descent can digest lactose, this trait likely developed due to the challenges of drinking unsafe water from ponds or rivers. To avoid harmful diseases, Africans adapted by learning to process milk safely.
5. The Strange Realm of Online Breast Milk
While the US government enforces strict regulations on fluids such as blood and semen, breast milk is classified as a food item. This means it can be sold to anyone, however one chooses. Many mothers choose to donate excess milk to nonprofit banks, where it’s pasteurized and sold to hospitals for $130 per liter ($4 an ounce). However, an increasing number of mothers are bypassing FDA-approved facilities and opting to sell their milk directly on websites like Only the Breast.
Only the Breast, a platform founded by California couple Glenn and Chelly Snow, allows mothers to sell their surplus milk to women who can’t produce enough themselves… and occasionally to men seeking a few ounces for various reasons. Sellers often market their milk with catchy phrases like 'Fresh and Fatty!' or claim it’s 'mostly organic-raised breast milk.' The site even features sections for specialized milk, including bags specifically for two-month-olds, or milk labeled as 'gluten-free' or 'dairy-free.'
The well-known site has expanded across Europe, with women selling their milk for anywhere between $1 and $2.50 per ounce. If a mother sells about 1 liter (30 oz) a day, the typical amount needed by a six-month-old, at $2 per ounce, she could earn up to $20,000 annually. However, some women are more focused on helping others rather than profiting. Those wishing to donate their milk for free can join groups like Eats on Feets, which offers free milk to mothers in need.
The government isn’t too thrilled about this growing online movement. Unlike official milk banks, platforms like Only the Breast and Eats on Feets aren’t obligated to screen donors or pasteurize the milk. In 2010, the FDA issued a warning, emphasizing the risks of allowing babies to consume milk from unregulated sources. A Stanford University study found that 3.3% of 1,091 potential milk donors tested positive for diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV.
4. The Marvels of Bird Milk
Mammals aren’t the only creatures that produce milk. Some birds can do it too.
Take pigeons, for example. These city-dwelling 'rats of the sky' produce a thick, milk-like substance for their chicks, which is an essential part of their diet. Pigeon milk is produced in the crop, a part of the esophagus that acts like an internal pantry. Lactating cells in the crop release a thick fluid that young pigeons find incredibly appetizing.
Both pigeon parents produce this milk a few days before their chicks hatch. When the chicks are hungry, the parents open their beaks and regurgitate this creamy substance. Without crop milk, baby pigeons would not survive. Studies also show that chickens grow 38% faster when fed a diet of pigeon milk. This is likely due to the high levels of antioxidants, protein, and fat in the fluid. In fact, crop milk contains more protein than either human or cow milk.
Pigeons aren’t the only birds that produce milk-like substances. Flamingos nourish their chicks with a unique fluid produced in their digestive tracts. And if the mother doesn’t make it back in time from a fishing trip, the father Emperor Penguin can also provide crop milk for his newly hatched chick.
3. The Man Who Wants To Milk A Pig
When it comes to milk, most Americans stick with the classic cow. Occasionally, they might grab some goat’s milk or enjoy a block of cheese made from Mary’s little lamb. But for the most part, dairy options in the U.S. are pretty limited.
However, the rest of the world is far more adventurous when it comes to milk. Camel milkshakes are hugely popular in Abu Dhabi, and in Campania, Italy, mozzarella di bufala is made from the milk of water buffaloes. In Central Asia, a traditional drink called kumis, made from fermented horse milk, is enjoyed, and in many countries around the world, people drink milk from animals like yaks, reindeer, and elk.
But there’s one animal that doesn’t seem to interest anyone when it comes to milking: Sus scrofa domesticus, or the domestic pig. We’re not spreading pig butter on our toast or sipping chocolate pig’s milk because pigs aren’t known for being the most docile creatures. Try grabbing one of these animals, and you’ll quickly find yourself in a struggle.
Assuming you can manage to hold a pig down, you’ll face a real challenge with those teats. Pigs have 14 small nipples that are incredibly hard to squeeze. On top of that, pig milk doesn’t coagulate easily, making it tough to turn into cheese. But Chef Edward Lee isn’t giving up.
Edward Lee, the owner of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, has appeared on shows like Top Chef and Iron Chef America, and he has a fascination with pigs. Describing pig milk as ‘viscous’ and ‘tart,’ Lee has been attempting to make pig cheese for years. It’s no easy task. While he managed to create a batch of pig ricotta, that required sneaking up on pigs while they were sleeping, quickly milking them, and making a quick getaway before the sows woke up.
Looking for a better way, Lee came up with a new strategy in 2014. In March, he announced plans to spend weeks living in barns with mother pigs, working to earn their trust. He was going to cover himself in pig feces, hang out with the hogs, and become their closest friend. Lee believes that if he can win their friendship, the pigs might let him try his hand at milking.
If Lee’s plan succeeds, his restaurant could be one of the first places to serve pig cheese. Interested in trying it yourself and possibly beating him to the punch?
2. The Mystery Of Witch’s Milk
While most believe only women can breastfeed, men are also capable of producing milk. All they need is a surge of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, which is naturally present in their bodies. They just need to increase its levels.
There are a few methods men can use to boost their prolactin levels, though most aren’t very pleasant. They could develop a pituitary gland tumor, damage their liver by depriving themselves of food, or take certain drugs to alter their body chemistry. Alternatively, they could stimulate their nipples. Yes, you read that right—by massaging their nipples, men can cause a spike in prolactin, prompting the alveoli in their breasts to begin producing milk.
This odd phenomenon isn’t unique to humans. Male lactation has also been seen in dayak fruit bats, goats, and guinea pigs.
It’s not just adults—human infants can occasionally produce milk too. This is known as 'Witch’s Milk' and typically happens three days after birth. The baby’s breasts may swell, and their nipples can leak a milky white fluid.
As the fetus develops, the mother’s body produces a surge of estrogen, which causes her breasts to grow. This estrogen also passes into the baby’s bloodstream, occasionally causing the infant’s breasts to swell and even produce milk. Don’t be alarmed—this is a normal occurrence that typically resolves itself after two weeks, though in the past, this wasn’t always understood.
During the Middle Ages, people were terrified of witchcraft. They believed that witches used babies to feed their familiars—supernatural spirits that often took the shape of animals, like toads. So, if a baby started to lactate, it was a sign that demons were near. In fact, parents were so concerned about these spirits that they crafted baby-sized rag dolls to trick the familiars into 'suckling a puppet.'
1. Why Is Milk In The Back Of The Store?
One morning, you realize you’re out of milk just as you’re about to have some cereal. Frustrated, you slip on your shoes, drive to the store, and make your way to the dairy section—but it’s all the way in the back, far from the chips, soda, and other 'non-essential' items. In many places, milk is a staple of the daily diet, so why is it tucked away in the farthest corner?
There are two main reasons for this. First, there’s a clever strategy known as 'building the basket.' As you walk to the back of the store, you’ll pass by aisles of frozen meals, snacks, and other tempting items. Store owners hope that as you make your way to the dairy section, you’ll be distracted by all these goodies, and if their plan succeeds, you’ll end up filling your cart with more than just milk.
The second reason is much more practical and relates to a term called 'the cold chain.' After milk is collected from cows, it needs to be kept chilled to prevent spoilage. The milk is transported in temperature-controlled trucks, delivered to the back of the store, and immediately stored in a cold room. The dairy section is conveniently located near this cold storage, making the process efficient and ensuring the milk stays fresh.
So, the milk’s position in the store is a mix of convenience and clever marketing. And, of course, it helps you burn off the extra calories you might consume from that indulgent whole milk.
