The effect of water deprivation on milk production of camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The effect of sixteen days of dehydration on milk production was investigated using seven lactating camels. The mean milk yield was 2.17 +/- 0.20 kg and decreased to 1.24 +/- 0.34 kg (P<0.05). The milk water content was 87 +/- 0.7% and did not show significant changes. The plasma and milk osmolality increased (P<0.001) from 318 +/- 2 to 345 +/- 2 and from 319 +/- 4 to 348 +/- 4, respectively. The total fat, protein, and lactose yields dropped proportional to milk volume. The effect of dehydration on milk production should be considered in watering strategies of lactating camels.