Impact of parity order on nutritional values of camel milk in modern system

Camel milk has important role in human nutrition in desert and semi-desert regions; this milk provides the man with all essential nutrients in addition to its medicinal properties. A study was conducted to determine the impact of parity order on nutrition values of camel milk overall four months postpartum under modern system. Eight she-camels were selected immediately after calving and assigned to two equal groups, early lactation (GY) and mid lactation (GD). Both groups were managed together at the same environmental conditions under intensive system. Collection of milk samples started at second week postpartum and continued biweekly interval up to end of 4th month postpartum. The total fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat (SNF) and density percentages were determined by automatic milk analyzer device (lactoscan Model-90, Europe). Results elucidated that there was no significant difference of lactose and fat content between two groups throughout experiment period. Where the significant difference (P˂0.05) of protein, SNF and density contents of milk were detected during lactation stages throughout four months. Otherwise, the levels of fat, lactose, protein and SNF were increased significantly (P˂0.05) with advancement of lactation stage, beside fluctuation of density values during experiment period. The current study revealed that milk produced by young is slightly richer in fat content, whereas milk of old camel is richer in protein content. The variation of nutrition values of milk should be attributed to parities, calve number and physiological factors.