Effect of Total Mixed Ratio (TMR) Supplementation on Milk Nutritive Value and Mineral Status of Female Camels and Their Calves (Camelus dromedarius) Raised under Semi Intensive System during Winter
Abdelrahman M.M. Alhidary I.A. Matar A.M. Alobre M.M. Alharthi A.S. Faye B. Aljumaah R.S.
November 2022MDPI
Agriculture (Switzerland)
2022#12Issue 11
This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional values of female camels’ milk and the minerals status, for them and their calves, when fed a total mixed ration (TMR) beside alfalfa hay during winter. Thirty-seven lactating multiparous female camels and their calves were selected at mid-lactation in the Al-Kharj region. Group one was fed only alfalfa hay ad libitum (C) and group two was supplemented with a total mixed ratio (TMR; 4 kg/head/day), primarily containing a mix of barley grain, wheat feed, palm kernel cake, soya hulls, vitamins and minerals. Milk and blood samples were collected in the middle of the winter season and analyzed for minerals using ICP-OES. A significant (p < 0.05) higher concentration was observed for protein and inorganic matter in milk from female camels supplemented with TMR in the T group. In addition, Mg, Co, Fe and Zn levels in milk significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared with the control group (C). Blood serum concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, I, Se, Zn and Cd minerals in female camels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the T group compared to the C group. Blood serum of the calves in the T group was significantly (p < 0.05) at higher levels for all minerals than in the control group (C); except iodine. Furthermore, significant correlations were reported between Co and Mn elements with most other minerals under investigation. In conclusion, TMR supplementation in the T group of female camels during lactation in the winter season is highly recommended since it improves the milk composition and mineral profile.
female camels , heavy metals , milk , minerals , total mixed ration , winter
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
CIRAD-ES, UMR SELMET, Campus International de Baillarguet, Montpellier, 34398, France
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, Kazakh National University Al-Farabi, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Animal Production
CIRAD-ES
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026