Milk yield and composition of barela dromedary camel in thal Desert Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Barela is very important dairy breed of Punjab having prominent milk vein. The present study was conducted to check its milk production and composition in Thal desert. With an average milk yield of 7.38 liter under traditional management, Barela camel appears as a camel breed with a good dairy potential. Moreover, according to its gross composition (fat, protein, lactose, SNF and total solids percentages being 4.26, 3.62, 4.84, 9.02 and 13.28, respectively), Barela milk appears particularly rich compared to literature data. A long term monitoring, notably throughout the lactation, could be a good opportunity to assess the potential of this breed at national level.