Relationship between udder morphology traits, alveolar and cisternal milk compartments and machine milking performances of dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

A total of 22 dairy dromedary camels under intensive conditions in late lactation (275±24 days) were used to study the relationship between external and internal udder morphology and machine milking performances. Measurements of udder and teat morphology were obtained immediately before milking and in duplicate. Individual milk yield, lag time and total milking time were recorded during milking, and milk samples were collected and analyzed for milk composition thereafter. Cisternal and alveolar milk volumes and composition were evaluated at 9 h milking interval. Results revealed that dairy camels had well developed udders and milk veins, with medium sized teats. On average, milk yield as well as milk fat and protein contents were 4.80±0.50 L d-1, 2.61±0.16% and 3.08±0.05%, respectively. The low fat values observed indicated incomplete milk letdown during machine milking. Lag time, and total milking time were 3.0±0.3, and 120.0±8.9s, on average, respectively. Positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed between milk yield and udder depth (r=0.37), distance between teats (r=0.57) and milk vein diameter (r=0.28), while a negative correlation was found with udder height (r=-0.25, p<0.05). Cisternal milk accounted for 11% of the total udder milk. Positive correlations were observed between total milk yield and volume of alveolar milk (r=0.98; p<0.001) as well as with volume of cisternal milk (r=0.63, p<0.05). Despite the low udder milk storage capacity observed in dairy camels, our study concluded that the evaluated dromedary sample had adequate udder morphology for machine milking. Finally, positive relationships were detected between milk yield and udder morphology traits of dairy camels.

Evolution of udder morphology, alveolar and cisternal milk compartment during lactation and their relationship with milk yield in Najdi sheep

“…Fat percentage in alveolar milk of Najdi sheep was greater than in cisternal milk for the 8-h milking interval during suckling and milking periods. This result agreed with those previously reported in sheep (McKusick et al, 2002b;Castillo et al, 2008), goats (Salama et al, 2004), cows and dromedary camels (Ayadi et al, 2013). The difference between milk fractions can be explained by the viscosity and large size of fat globules, which are accumulated in the alveolar compartment.…”

“…No significant differences were observed between milk protein, lactose and total solid percentages of cisternal and alveolar milk during suckling and milking periods. These results agree in part with those findings in dairy ewes (Rovai et al, 2008), dairy goats (Salama et al, 2004), dairy cows and lactating dromedary camels (Ayadi et al, 2013).…”

Some Studies on Milk Production and its Composition In Maghrebi She-Camel Under Farming And Traditional Pastoral Systems In Egypt

“…Our results were less than that reported by (Ayadi, et al) for udder measurements (cm) [29]. (Ayadi, et al), also found positive relationships were detected between milk yield and udder morphology traits of dairy camels [29].…”

“…In accordance with the present results in this study, (Ayadi, et al) and Abdallah and Faye found that teat length showed similar values in different breeds of camel in Saudi Arabia [26,29]. Meanwhile, the distance between teats was greater than the results previously reported by (Eisa, et al) on camel [27].…”

“…(Ayadi, et al), also found positive relationships were detected between milk yield and udder morphology traits of dairy camels [29]. Udder height measured was similar to values reported by (Eisa, et al) [27].…”