Milk production potential of marecha camel (camelus dromedarius) in extensive and semi-intensive management systems

Abstract

Camel is an integral part of livestock as Pakistan ranks 8th in the world regarding its population. Mainly the camel production is in remote areas as pastoral system in desert ecosystem of Pakistan. Due to the urbanization, this husbandry system is changed and the cameleers are moving towards urban/peri-urban areas of arid and semi-arid environment. This study was planned to check its production potential in extensive management system (EMS) and semi-intensive management system (SIMS). The mean milk yield and range of Marecha she-camel was found to be 5.6±0.3, 6.1±0.2 and 3-8, 5-9 kg under EMS and SIMS, respectively. The fat, protein, lactose, SNF and total solids percentage was found to be 4.44, 4.40; 3.42, 3.38; 4.82, 4.76; 8.96, 8.93 and 13.38; 13.33, respectively under EMS and SIMS. The results could be used for future intensive camel production in Pakistan.