The effect of parity and calving season on milk composition in Marecha she-camels

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of parity (lactation group) and calving season on milk composition in Pakistani Marecha she-camels. A total of 569 milk composition records from 14 Marecha she-camels were analyzed. The females were in their second to sixth lactation. Calvings took place between 2015 and 2017 during January, February, March, April and June. Three lactation groups (early – lactation 2, middle – lactations 3 and 4, and late – lactations 5 and 6) and two calving seasons (winter - January, February, and March and spring - April and June) were distinguished. Lactose and solids contents were significantly affected by lactation group (P < 0.05), while fat and protein contents remained unchanged. Late lactation (fifth and six-parity) camels produced milk with the lowest lactose and solids contents, while early lactation (second-parity) animals had the highest lactose and solids contents. Calving season did not significantly affect milk composition. Results of the present study may contribute to the overall knowledge of the nutritive quality of camel milk and the species itself as a food source for overpopulated and underdeveloped countries like Pakistan.