Study of milkability and associated factors in hand milked Indian Dromedary Camel

Abstract

Development of camel as a dairy animal and establishment of commercially viable camel dairy necessitates its evaluation for milkability. Four Indian dromedary camel breeds namely Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi and Mewari under hand milking management were evaluated for milkability and associated factors in the present study. The mean milk let-down time, milking time and milk flow rate observed was 48.19 s (20.00–129.60 s), 2.66 min(0.87–5.48 min), 1.23 kg/min (0.20–4.40 kg/min), respectively. The effect of breed was highly significant (p < 0.01) on milk let-down time and milking time and significant (p < 0.05) on milk flow rate. The first parity animals took more time for milk let-down compared to higher parity animals. Milking time and milk flow rate were significantly affected (p < 0.01) by lactation stage and milk yield. The milking time showed declining trend with progression of lactation. Longer milking time was observed in early lactation. Among the four breeds faster milked let-down was achieved in Kachchhi breed. Milk flow rate was maximum in Bikaneri breed. Effect of milkers, teat length and teat diameter was non-significant on milking time and milk flow rate. Average morning, evening and daily milk yield was 3.24, 1.99 and 5.23 kg, respectively. The milk yield differed significantly (p < 0.01) between breeds. The Kachchhi breed recorded highest daily milk production among four breeds. Average teat length and teat diameter was 61.40 mm (29.20–91.90 mm) and 36.42 mm (19.77–55.41 mm), respectively. The teat measurements differed significantly between breeds. The milking time (MT), milk yield (MY1), teat length (ATL) and teat diameter (ATD) were positively correlated with each other. However milk-let down time (MLDT) has non-significant and low correlation (r= −0.097 - 0.010) with MY1, MT, ATL and ATD. MY1 has positive and significant correlation with MT (r = 0.832), ATL (r = 0.604) and ATD (r = 0.494). It can be concluded that milkability parameters are influenced by breed, parity and milk yield of the animals. Positive correlation exists between milk yield, milking time, milk flow rate and teat measurements. Due consideration should be given to the factors like breed, parity, milk yield and teat characteristics for selection of camel with superior milkability and dairy potential.