Impact of parity on the profile of fatty acids with potential importance for human health in camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of parity on the proportion of fatty acids with potential health significance in camel milk fat. Milk samples were collected from four multiparous and four primiparous camels in intensive husbandry at mid-lactation stage. Fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography in conjunction with a flame ionisation detector. Parity had a significant effect on fat and total solids content (p0.05). Primipara camels produced milk richer (p0.05). Overall, the milk fat of primiparous camels appears to have a relatively high nutritional value, as it contained higher levels of beneficial fatty acids and lower levels of saturated fatty acids.

Keywords

• camel milk
• conjugated linoleic acids
• desaturation index
• odd- and branched chain fatty acids
• parity