Factors affecting milk yield and composition of Tunisian camels (Camelus dromedarius) over complete lactation

This study aimed to investigate the milk production potential and the impact of nongenetic factors on milk yield and composition of Tunisian dromedary camels. Milk recording and sampling were carried out at monthly intervals over complete lactation for 3 years from 95 camels reared in intensive and semi-intensive systems. The overall means of daily milk yield and fat, protein, total solids, and ash contents were 4.21 ± 1.98 l/day, 2.45 ± 0.9%, 2.67 ± 0.74%, 10.75 ± 1.41%, and 0.85 ± 0.08%, respectively. The total milk yield was 1388.41 ± 575.46 l/lactation for 11 months of lactation. The daily milk yield increased regularly throughout lactation until it reached its peak in the 4th month postpartum and then decreased until the 17th month postpartum. The chemical components, except ash, followed an opposite trend to the milk yield. Their minimum contents were recorded during the 7th and 8th months postpartum, while the maximum levels were observed during the 17th month postpartum. Regarding seasonal variation, the highest daily milk yield was recorded during summer (June), whereas the lowest was found in winter (December). In contrast, the maximum and minimum contents of fat and protein were observed during winter (December) and summer (July), respectively. Similarly, total solids content was maximum in January and minimum in August. Parity had no effect on daily milk yield, while all chemical components were higher in milk from primiparous than multiparous camels. Calf sex and management system did not affect the milk yield and composition. These results are useful in order to develop feeding strategies and breeding programs for improving milk production.