Influence of introducing machine milking on biothermal parameters of lactating camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The current study wanted to investigate the physiological suitability of using the machine milking in lactating camels by assessing several biothermal (thermophysiological and infra-red thermographical) parameters. These parameters were assessed on 3 consecutive days, immediately before, immediately after, as well as 1 h after machine milking. The sample was composed of 12 multiparous dromedary camels at mid-lactation. The hypothesis of the current study was that introducing machine milking would produce noticeable effects on the physiological status of lactating camels. On the contrary, the obtained results revealed that machine milking had no effect (P>0.05) on average rectal (37.88±0.23°C) and vaginal temperatures (37.94±0.14°C), as well as respiratory (16.12±0.23 breath/min) and heart rates (56.78±1.89 beat/min). A significant decrease (P<0.001) in udder (-1.0°C) and teat (-1.6°C) surface temperatures, instead, was detected 1 h immediately after milking. Accordingly, this study provides a clear evidence that introducing machine milking has no effect on the homeothermic status of lactating camels.