Camels and cattle respond differently in milk phenol excretion and milk fatty acid profile to free ranging conditions in East-African rangelands

Camels are getting increasingly important for pastoral livestock systems in arid and semi-arid rangelands of East Africa that adversely affected by climate change. Cattle more susceptible to drought than camels rely on grass, while primarily browsers. Diet selection can influence the quality milk, especially milk fat. Little is known about differences fatty acid profile compared cattle, under free-grazing conditions. two cattle types were Kenyan a rainy season transition period. Seventy-two lactating animals (12 per animal type each) used. Half each group received urea-molasses supplement at night. Intakes nutrients phenols estimated through scan sampling. Milk was collected end analyzed acids. Phenol intakes varied between seasons but not camels. Different from type, had an effect phenol concentration. excretion with correlated intake. Proportions mono- polyunsaturated acids higher camel milk. contained conjugated linoleic season. oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic eicosapentaenoic higher, whereas n-6-to-n-3 ratio lower may have developed control mechanisms limiting adverse effects transfer response their intake phenol-rich browse. In conclusion, seems be beneficial human health nutrition its characteristic profile. This another motivation switching arid/semi-arid areas