ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CAMEL BREED AND THEIR GRAZING HABITS ON THE NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF MILK

Abstract

Camel milk has numerous nutraceutical and therapeutical properties due to camel s desert habitat and grazing habits on wild vegetation. However limited literature was available about the milk composition of camel breeds of south Punjab in Pakistan. The current study aims to depict variations in nutritional aspects of milk among camel breeds of South Punjab Pakistan. The various parameters of milk i.e. physicochemical analysis fatty acids composition protein contents amino acid profiling and mineral concentrations were evaluated and characterized to provide fundamental knowledge to researchers interested in working in its medicinal role. Minerals i.e. Na K Zn and Pb in camel milk were found in considerable concentrations such as 405.94?0.02 204.16?0.10 2.45? 0.02 and 0.25?0.02 ppm accordingly. During physicochemical analysis pH and protein were present in higher amounts. Casein of camel breeds contains higher amounts of amino acids i.e. Leucine (0.25?0.039 %) Lysine (0.12?0.019 %) Aspartic acid (0.18?0.017 %) and Glutamic acid (0.56?0.087 %). Fatty acids were present in significant concentrations in all camel breeds i.e. Butyric acid (0.760?0.012 g/100g) Lauric acid (0.770?0.120 g/100g) Myristic acid (12.420?1.163 g/100g) and Linoleic acid (2.390?0.112 g/100g). Camel milk is less prone to allergies and can be used in dairy-based food products infant milk formulas and medicinal industries.