Physiological change in camel milk composition (Camelus dromedarius) 1. Effect of lactation stage

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2010 Mar;42(3):495-9. doi: 10.1007/s11250-009-9449-x. Epub 2009 Sep 9.

Abstract

The change in the composition of camel milk in four dromedaries was studied by including the common measured parameters: protein, total fat, lactose, main minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and iron), and vitamin C. The fat matter varied from 4.34% to 7.81% with a slight decrease all along the lactation and a minimal value at the 14th week corresponding to the lactation peak. Those variations were less important for protein content (from 2.58% to 3.64%), but the minimal value was observed at the 14th week also. The lactose varied slightly around its mean of 3.46%. The vitamin C concentration varied from 48 to 256 mg/l with a tendency of increasing all along the lactation. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations were quite parallel and their ratio Ca/P was constant. The minimal values (1.43 g/l for calcium and 1.16 g/l for phosphorus) were observed at the beginning of the lactation. The iron concentrations varied around the mean of 1.73 mg/l.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis
  • Camelus / physiology*
  • Fats / analysis
  • Female
  • Lactation / physiology*
  • Lactose / analysis
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Milk Proteins / analysis
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Fats
  • Milk Proteins
  • Minerals
  • Lactose
  • Ascorbic Acid