Assessment of Feed Fiber Digestibility and Milk Lactose Content in Camels under Desert Grazing

Abstract

Efficient utilization of fibrous feed resources is essential for sustaining milk production in camels under harsh desert grazing conditions, where forage quality is highly variable. This study assesses feed fiber digestibility and its influence on milk lactose content in camels to evaluate nutritional efficiency and milk quality under desert environments. The proposed methodology involves controlled field observations combined with laboratory analysis of feed and milk samples collected from camels grazing under natural desert conditions. Key parameters, including neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility, dry matter intake, milk yield, and lactose concentration, are measured using standard animal nutrition and dairy analysis techniques. Additional variables such as pasture composition, water availability, and environmental stress indicators (temperature and humidity) are monitored to understand their impact on digestive performance. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure consistency and reliability. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, including regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to evaluate the relationship between fiber digestibility and milk composition. Experimental results indicate that improved fiber digestibility enhances rumen fermentation efficiency, leading to better energy availability and increased lactose synthesis in milk. Variability in forage quality under desert grazing significantly affects digestibility and milk composition, with higher-quality forage resulting in improved milk yield and lactose content. The study identifies key factors influencing nutrient utilization and milk quality in camels. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing feed management and supplementation strategies in desert conditions. The study concludes that enhancing fiber digestibility through targeted nutritional interventions provides a sustainable and efficient approach for improving milk quality, supporting camel productivity, and ensuring resilience in desert livestock systems.