Milk Production, Quality and Composition of Traditionally Managed Camels

Present manuscript reports about the factors affecting milk production & composition & also points out the management factors affecting udder health in traditionally managed camels.Season of the year, parity & stage of lactation affected significantly(p<0.05)daily milk yield. It was higher during winter season (6.20±0.20kg) as compared to summer season (4.40±0.20kg) & in 3rd parity the highest daily milk yield was 12.04±0.48kg whereas camels in 5th & 6th parities produced significantly lower milk volumes as 3.86±0.74, 4.44±0.80 & 4.24±0.91kg, respectively. It was the highest in 1st month of lactation (6.27±0.34kg), thereby remained constant from 2nd to 10th month of lactation (5.12±0.40-5.14±0.40kg) & was the lowest in 11th and 12th months of lactation (4.67±0.20kg). Regarding milk composition, season had no effect (p>0.05) on milk acidity, parity significantly affecting (p<0.05) fat% & lactation stage having no effect (p>0.05) on %age protein, fat, lactose, acidity and SNF. This study indicated that camels are reliable source of milk in hostile regions & proper mastitis control program & provision of adequate feed & water during extreme weather would result in better production.

Mr Sibtain Ahmad was born on November 04, 1986 Distt Rahim Yar Khan(Punjab)-Pakistan. He did BSc(Hons)in Agriculture (Animal Science)in 2007 and MSc(Hons) LM in 2009. He is a PhD scholar (China) and lecturer in LM Deptt. Dr M. Yaqoob is an eminent scientist. Mr M. Tariq is a PhD scholar and lecturer in LM Deptt. Univ. Agric., Faisalabad-Pakistan.