Physico–Chemical Characterization of Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Milk as Influenced by Parities and Seasons under Pastoral Production System in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted in order to come-up with the various physico–chemical characterization of camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk under pastoral production system in Katsina State, Nigeria. It was conducted using twelve (12) lactating camel cows under three different parity levels (1, 3 and 5). The feeding and watering regimes of the camels were the same and all the animals were managed under pastoral production system. The animals for the study were carefully examined before the selection especially for calving and health status. Milk samples collected were studied under the guide of various prescribed methods using local kits available. Results obtained indicated higher values of acidity (0.35%) and specific gravity (1.008%) both under parity five in hot dry season followed by titerable acidity with higher values (0.015g) in parity three under cold dry season. Vitamin C was higher (4.71 mg/100ml) in parity five under wet season respectively. In conclusion, the study also confirmed that camel milk is full of evenly balanced nutritional constituents that plays a variety of roles despite the level of management, feeding and watering regimes.