The Turkana Camel Breed in North-Western Kenya: Lactation Characteristics

Abstract

This study investigated the lactation characteristics of the Turkana camel breed over a period of 60 weeks. First-parity dams yielded more milk than second- or multi-parity ones. Comparisons of milking regimes showed greater yields from (in descending order) early morning, early evening and late evening regimes. Late morning and late evening milking regimes showed no differences over lactation periods. Dams milked without calves yielded less milk than those milked with calves. Forage conditions and seasons were highly correlated with mean daily milk yields. The study provides a baseline for understanding the genetic potential of the Turkana camel breed.