Effects of Wormwood-Supplemented Extruded Compound Feed on Milk Yield and Composition in Lactating Camels

This study evaluates the biological effectiveness of camel compound feeds produced using an optimized drying–grinding–extrusion technology and enriched with Artemisia lerchiana (wormwood). Building on a previously published process optimization study, the present work focuses on the effects of the developed feeds on milk productivity and quality in lactating camels. Eighteen lactating dromedary camels were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (n = 6): a control diet without wormwood and experimental diets containing 10% and 15% wormwood (dry matter basis). The feeding trial lasted 45 days, including a 15-day adaptation period and a 30-day measurement period. Milk yield was recorded daily, and milk composition was analyzed weekly. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way and repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). Wormwood supplementation resulted in higher milk yield and significantly increased milk fat and protein content, with the strongest effects observed at the 15% inclusion level. No adverse effects on lactose content, physicochemical properties, or milk hygienic quality were detected. The results confirm that combining extrusion-based processing with phytogenic supplementation is an effective strategy for improving camel milk productivity.