Influence of Dietary Regimes on the Yield Dynamics and Physio-Chemical Attributes of Marecha Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Milk"
Abstract
A comparative feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of fodder and concentrate rations on milk yield and composition in Marecha camels. Twenty lactating camels were randomly assigned to two groups: control (fodder and grazing) and treatment (fodder, grazing, and concentrate supplementation), with 10 animals in each group. The trial lasted one month. Camels receiving concentrate supplementation produced significantly higher milk yield (P<0.05) than those fed only fodder and grazing. Milk specific gravity and body weight were not significantly affected (P>0.05). However, fat, total solids, solids-not-fat (SNF), and lactose percentages were significantly improved (P<0.01) in the treatment group. The results indicate that concentrate supplementation enhances both milk production and milk quality in Marecha camels.
Key words: Marecha Camel, Concentrate Ration, Milk Composition, Fat Percentage, Lactose
