Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor in Ruminant Nutrition, Department of Animal Science, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran
2
Associate Professor in Biomedical Science, Department of Animal Science, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran
Abstract
This study investigates the characteristics of camel milk from 61 mixed-breed female dromedary camels, with an average body weight of 418 ± 56 kg and an age of 47.5 ± 9.5 months, sourced from traditional herds. Weekly milk samples were analyzed for main constituents, mineral content, amino acids, and fatty acids during the winter of 2021. Results showed that camel milk had a higher water content and lower fat, protein, total solids, and casein percentages compared to cow, sheep, and goat milk (P < 0.05). The ash content was 0.81 ± 0.15%, ranking second after sheep milk. Camel milk was rich in leucine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid, but low in lysine and methionine. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations were 66.26 ± 1.11 mg and 133.62 ± 1.82 mg, respectively, while magnesium, sodium, and calcium concentrations were 20.18 ± 0.58 mg, 101.39 ± 1.78 mg, and 121.13 ± 0.86 mg per 100 g of milk. The predominant fatty acids included oleic, palmitic, stearic, and meristic acids. Camel milk is a valuable dairy source in arid regions, necessitating quality enhancement through nutritional studies
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