Lactation persistency, yield and prediction models in Indian dromedary

The demand driven economy is leading to production and utilization of camel milk for nutritional security of the human population. Lactation records (65) of the she-camels belonging to the Bikaneri, Kachchhi and Mewari breeds were analysed. The average daily milk production from 2 teats was 2.9 +/- 0.04 litre with 2.7 +/- 0.05 litre in Bikaneri, 3.2 +/- 0.07 litre in Kachchhi and 2.6 +/- 0.08 litre in Mewari breed. The average daily production was 2.5 +/- 0.07, 2.8 +/- 0.06, 3.2 +/- 0.07 and 3.0 +/- 0.10 litres respectively in first, second, third and fourth parity. Highest individual average daily milk yield from 2 teats was 8.06 litre. The peak yield was observed in fifth month of lactation. The average lactation yield from 4 teats was estimated to be 1,883 +/- 75, 2,239 +/- 88, 2,520 +/- 100 and 3,017 +/- 148 litre for the lactation length of 10, 12, 14 and 16 months, respectively. Two breeding and milking models were compared. Eleven mathematical functions were fitted for the prediction lactation yield and it was observed that for the sake of simplicity, the linear equation can be utilized for the purpose. The fifth month's average daily yield gave the best predictions. Therefore, the mathematical equation Y=106.727 +/- 238.597(Y-5m) can be utilized for prediction of 10 months' lactation yield and respective equations for the lactation yields of 12, 14 and 16 months' lactation. The persistency of lactation was 76.20, 67.07, 55.67 and 35.87% when calculated for lactation length of 10, 12, 14 and 16 months, respectively. The present observations and analyses indicated tremendous scope in dromedary to fulfill the human aspirations which may lead to its sustenance too.