T. Stahl1, H.-P. Sallmann1, R. Duehlmeier2, U. Wernery3
1Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany, 2Clinic for pigs, small ruminants, forensic medicine and ambulatory service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, 3Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of the vitamins A, E, B1, C and β-carotene as well as to evaluate the fatty acid patterns of dromedary milk (Camelus dromedarius). Therefore, camel milk from different herds in the United Arab Emirates was analysed by HPLC as well as gas chromatographic methods and compared with milk from Holstein Frisian cows of the same area. Besides fresh camel milk, pasteurised and lyophilised milk was also analysed to evaluate the influence of these preservation methods on the determined parameters. Colostrum was directly tested after birth and in 5 individuals also during the first week after parturition. Blood samples were tested from the same herds for their vitamin content in order to find an eventual relation between milk and blood levels. Vitamins A, E, B1 and β-carotene were significantly lower in dromedary milk while vitamin C was significantly (fivefold) higher compared to bovine milk. In camel colostrum fat soluble vitamins and vitamin B1 were higher than in mature camel milk, but vitamin C was lower in colostrum. Pasteurisation and lyophilisation caused only small but significant vitamin losses. The total content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was similar in camel and cow milk. The differences in the fatty acid patterns were most obvious only in omega-6 and omega-7 fatty acids. In dromedary serum vitamins A, B1 and C were significantly higher than in cow serum; vitamin E was significantly higher in bovine serum. Regarding the vitamin content and the fatty acid composition, it was concluded that camel milk is a good alternative to cow milk for human nutrition.
Key words: Camel milk, colostrum, fatty acid pattern, vitamins
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