Production and composition of camel milk - review

Abstract

I~has. been gen~rally agreed that the camel has the ability to produce more milk of good composition for a longer period of time In an environment of extreme temperature, drought and lack of pasture. In arid zones and drylands, camel has been termed as the goal animal in 21st century. Daily milk yield of camel varies from 3.5 litres (under desert conditions) to 40 litres (under intensive management). Lactation length ranges from 9 to 18 months. Milking frequency in camels varies betw~en two to ~ix times d~ily. Peak yield is normally attained during second to third month of lactation. Milk yield of ba~tnan ca~els, In general, IS. lo~er than that of dromedaries. The bactrian milk has high vitamin C content. The range of major constituents of camel milk IS: fat 2.9 to 5.5%, protein 2.5 to 4.5%, lactose 2.9 to 5.8%, ash 0.35 to 0.95%, water 86.3 to 88.5% and SNF 8.9 to 14.3%. Its mean specific gravity is 1.03.