Abstract
The effects of different mineral supplementations on the milk yield of free-ranging Somali camels were investigated in two phases in a semi-arid region of northern Kenya during the dry and wet seasons in 2002 and 2003. In phase 1, twelve (12) lactating camels were selected at random to form four (4) groups each consisting of three camels. The first group served as the control and as a result received no mineral supplementation. In addition to the control diet the other groups received oral doses of minerals as follows over a 60-day period: Tl (P), T2 (High Cu low Co) and T3 (Low Cu high Co). The daily milk yield and blood mineral profiles were measured during the wet and dry seasons. The mean daily milk yield increased from 3.4 L/d to 4.3±0.3 L/d and 5.2 L/d in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Fifteen (15) lactating camels were selected at random to form five groups each consisting of three replicates. The control group did not receive any mineral supplement. The other four groups in addition to the control diet, received the following treatments: T4 (Common Salt), T5 (High Co), T6 (High Co+P) and T7 (Low Co+P). Mineral supplement T6 produced significantly higher milk yield (5.4±0.5 and 6.5±0.7 L/d) during the dry and wet seasons. Both T6 and T7 had significantly higher milk yield than T4 and T5. During both phases, the blood Ca and P level significantly increased in camels receiving Tl, 6 and 7. Animals that received only the trace mineral supplements had lower blood P compared to the ones receiving supplementary P and also the control. Supplementation of lactating camels with Co and P significantly (p<0.05) increased milk yield). Effect of common salt, commonly given by farmers, on milk yield was insignificant. It was concluded that mineral supplementation to lactating camels was beneficial, and that mineral supplements should include P and Co. Further research is required to establish P and Co requirements of lactating camels.
Highlights
In semi-arid regions of northern Kenya, livestock rearing is still the best investment despite frequent severe droughts
Milk yield In phase 1 of the experiment, mean milk yield of all animals increased from 3.4 L/d to 4.3±0.3 L/d in the dry and wet seasons (Table 2)
Camels tended to produce more milk in the wet season compared to the dry season
Summary
In semi-arid regions of northern Kenya, livestock rearing is still the best investment despite frequent severe droughts. Pastoralists in northern Kenya keep camels as storage of wealth and for milk and meat production. Camels play a key role in the livelihood, investment and food security, this being especially true for old women and men and children who cannot follow cattle, sheep and goats across boarders in search of pastures. During the long drought (1998-2000), only camels and donkeys remained with the pastoralists’ families, while cattle, sheep and goats were taken to Uganda, Ethiopia and other far pastures. Milk production and calf growth rates in camels are generally low, which is attributed to an insufficient access to water and/or to the consumption of forages low in protein, energy and minerals. In most parts of northern Kenya, especially Isiolo and Laikipia, pastoralists are sedenterizing and, as a result, areas covered during grazing and browsing are limited, deficiencies of certain minerals like P, Cu and Co are likely. The current demand for milk calls for extra feeding and mineral
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