Nutritional factors affecting camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk composition.

Saharan population in Algeria still depending on bovine milk, which suffers from serious constraints undermining its sustainability. Camelus dromedarius milk has experienced growing demand following the emerging market requirements for livestock production and dairy farming over the past decade. The present work aimed at analysing the effect of nutritional regime on milk quality. The differences in pH, Acidity D°, Ash and Fats were significant. The pH was negatively influenced by the intensification conditions such as the much higher use of concentrates. The major constituents of milk were strongly and positively correlated with barley, wheat bran, TN/Kg.DM (Total Nitrogen/ Kg. Dry Matter), Kg.DM, Concentrates and daily watering. The results showed that a good energy-protein balance around 73 g PDI/UFL (Protein Digestible in the Intestine/Energetic Forage Unit for milk production) was beneficial for a better milk protein ratio. The use of corn, soybeans, palm dates and VM-premix (Vitamin Mineral) supplementation were also favourable to the synthesis of fats. Crude fiber and cell walls were better valued in the synthesis of fats with the availability of concentrates and the increasing of TN /Kg.DM and VM-premix rate in dietary regime. The vitamin C content elevate following high ratio of UFL /Kg.DM and PDI/UFL. For thus, the influence of nutritional status can lead to major improvements that need also more advanced and detailed studies.

Effect of diet supply on milk production and weight performances of she-camels.

The milk productivity improvement of she-camels requires a good feeding program that should indicate appropriate foods, required quantities, and how and when to distribute them. The aim of this study was to explore the interactions between milk productivity and body variations of dairy camels in response to experimental dietary treatments. The camels received a new diet every 15 days approximately, with higher rate of concentrates and high energy concentration. Results showed that diets with high energy or protein density, UFL (forage unit for milk production), and nutrient waste stimulated the development of body weight at the expense of milk production (p <0.05). Therewith, the inadequate supply of feeds rich in fermentable carbohydrates such as dates (p <0.01) or corn (p <0.05) compromised milk productivity level in favor of ADG (average daily gain) and body reserves deposit. Increasing the level of roughage feed intake had a positive effect on milk production (p < 0.05). According to the results, it is recommended in the feeding of dairy she-camels to maintain a minimum level of roughage at more than 60%. In addition, it is necessary that the energy density (DER) be in the order of 0.91-1.17 maximum (0.78 UFL/kg.DM-dry matter). Taking into account famous nitrogen recycling mechanisms of camels, the protein supply of diets does not seem useful to overcome 63 g PDI/kg.DM (PDI protein digestible in the intestine).