MILK PRODUCTION, QUALITY AND COMPOSITION OF TRADITIONALLY MANAGED CAMELS

Present manuscript reports about the factors affecting milk production &amp; composition &amp; also points out the management factors affecting udder health in traditionally managed camels.Season of the year, parity &amp; 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) &amp; in 3rd parity the highest daily milk yield was 12.04±0.48kg whereas camels in 5th &amp; 6th parities produced significantly lower milk volumes as 3.86±0.74, 4.44±0.80 &amp; 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) &amp; 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% &amp; 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 &amp; proper mastitis control program &amp; provision of adequate feed &amp; water during extreme weather would result in better production.