Effect of body conformation and udder morphology on the milk yield in Dhatti camel (Camelus dromedarius) of Sindh, Pakistan
摘要
The camel is an important species well adopted to hot and dry environments and an appreciable source of food in rural households in Pakistan. In this study two different aspects of the camels have been studied, first morphometry as well as production potential of Dhatti breed of Sindh Pakistan is documented. Data were collected on biometry of camels along with questionnaire survey. Whereas, the production potential was investigated by collecting the milk sample and analysing their composition. Biometrical values had demonstrated this breed was medium to larger in its body size and produced an average milk yield of 7335.30 ± 1170.03 L/lactation. Udder length, depth, width, horizontal circumference and size scored 25.67 ± 4.50, 24.07 ± 2.76, 22.87 ± 2.44, 90.07 ± 8.43 cm and 2005.76 ± 262.71 cm3 respectively. A statistically significant and positive correlation appeared between udder width and milk yield in a lactation (P < 0.05). Similarly, a highly positive correlation was also found between the distances-between-teats in the udder and milk yield per lactation (P < 0.01). Upon analysis of milk composition in collected milk samples the average contents were 3.01 ± 1.51, 3.46 ± 0.56, 4.15 ± 0.55, 0.67 ± 0.11 and 9.50 ± 3.48% for fat, protein, lactose, salts and SNF respectively. Udder gross anatomy and histology after H & E staining revealed well defined histological structures in the udder that indicate the animals were in lactating stage. In the actively lactating animals, the alveoli were larger in size, more active and more filled with secretion. In non-lactation, the number and size of alveoli per lobule were decreased, and the parenchymatous tissue was reduced and replaced by interstitial connective tissue (stroma).