Effect of drought condition on the quality of camel milk

Summary Ten-day periods of water restriction followed by 2 h ad lib. water caused radical changes in camel milk. The changes were different from those reported in other mammals. At the end of each dehydration period there were increased water percentages in the milk when compared with milk of hydrated camels. The content of fat, lactose and protein declined. Concentrations of Na, K, phosphate and chloride in milk increased while Ca and Mg concentration declined. The urea concentration of the milk was unchanged. The young suckling calves showed no signs of stress during the dehydration periods. It was concluded that the milk of dehydrated camels is an excellent human food in arid areas, as the water and salt content are high while the nutritive value remains good.