Abstract

The objectives of this study are to determine and compare the individual fatty acids profile of camel milk fat contents and their correlation with the production systems, breed (Kenana, Butana, Nefidia), parity, and stage of lactation. Camel milk fat samples were analysed for estimation of 37 fatty acids by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Fatty acids were divided into: Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) from C4:0 to C12:0, Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) from C13:0 to C16:1 and Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFAs) from C17:0 to C22:6n3 and their indices in milk of Sudanese Arabi camels (Kenana, Butana, Nefidia) were evaluated. The statistical model included the effects of management systems, breed, parity and stage of lactation on fatty acids (FAs) within and between breeds. First to second parity had relatively higher proportions of SCFAs in the milk of Kenana and Nefidia camels as compared with Butana camel. Camel milk fatty acids composition were varied with stage of lactation, the proportions of SCFAs were high at early and late stage of lactation compared to middle stage of lactation. LCFAs (especially oleic (C18:1n9t) and Elaidic (C18:1n9c) showed an opposite trend to that of SCFAs and MCFAs. Although no significant differences in camel milk fatty acids composition during the different parities were observed, the results confirmed that parity order and stage of lactation contribute to the variations in camel milk fat composition.

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