The effect of pruned leaves and branches of Conocarpus on production, quality, and fatty acid profile of milk in dromedary camels
摘要
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of using Conocarpus leaves and branches on milk production, quality, and the fatty acid profile in dairy dromedary camels. Ten Arabi camels with an average weight of 450 kg, in their 4th parity, and producing approximately 2.5 L of milk per day were fed either control diets or diets containing Conocarpus leaves for one month. Daily milk production, milk fat, and milk protein content increased when using Conocarpus leaves and branches (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of raw and fermented camel milk in the treatment containing Conocarpus was higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). According to the results, the total microbial load and mold counts in raw milk from camels fed with Conocarpus leaves and branches decreased (P < 0.05), while the population of Lactobacillus did not change compared to the control (P < 0.05). The use of Conocarpus leaves and branches in the diet increased the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids and CLA and decreased saturated fatty acids compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). According to the results, the use of Conocarpus in the diet of dairy camels increased milk production, milk fat and protein, antioxidant activity, unsaturated fatty acids, and CLA, and reduced microbial load and molds in milk, as well as saturated fatty acids. Therefore, it may be possible to use Conocarpus at 2 kg per day in dairy camel feeding.