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The camel milk sector is still little explored and especially the effect of the camel breeding system on certain properties and chemical compositions of camel milk. This study aims to assess the potential impact of the transition in the camel breeding system on milk productivity and the physicochemical composition of camel milk. To achieve this objective, a preliminary survey was conducted involving several breeders actively practicing the two targeted breeding systems (extensive and semi-intensive) in Algeria. This survey revealed milk production levels of 2 L/d and 3.5 L/d for the extensive and semi-intensive systems, respectively. Physicochemical analyses of these two types of camel milk (from extensive and semi-intensive breeding) were carried out. Various parameters were measured, including pH, acidity, density, total solids, solids-not-fat, ash levels, lactose, calcium, vitamin C, total proteins, whey proteins, and caseins. The results of these analyses indicate that the transition from extensive breeding system to the semi-intensive system significantly impacts the physicochemical quality of camel milk. Specifically, camel milk from the semi-intensive breeding system becomes less dense, more acidic and less rich in total dry matter particularly in solids-not-fat, which includes lactose, vitamin C, and minerals and notably calcium. Furthermore, this milk has become richer in proteins both total proteins and whey proteins, and more notably in caseins.

To enhance camel milk production, some breeders have transitioned from extensive to semi‐intensive breeding systems. This study investigates the effects of this transition on casein fractions by analyzing milk samples of targeted breeding. Various parameters, such as pH, Dornic acidity, dry matter, ash, total proteins, whey proteins, and caseins, were examined. The results revealed that semi‐intensive camel milk exhibited increased acidity and lower mineral content, while demonstrating significant elevations in total proteins, whey proteins, and particularly caseins. Transition to semi‐intensive system increased κ, β, and αs1‐caseins levels by 0.44, 4.85, and 1.81 g/L, respectively, as observed after FPLC, SDS‐PAGE, and MALDI‐ToF characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary times, the sustained aspiration of bioengineering and biomedical applications is the progressive advancement of materials characterized by biocompatibility and biodegradability. The investigation of the potential applications of polymers as natural and non-hazardous materials has placed significant emphasis on their physicochemical properties. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the potential of gelatin–chitosan–moringa leaf extract (G–CH–M) as a novel biomaterial for biomedical applications. The wound-dressing G–CH–M biopolymer was synthesized and characterized. The blood haemolysis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of the biopolymer were investigated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial isolates. Our results showed that S. aureus swarming motility was drastically affected. However, the biopolymer had no significant effect on the swarming motility of E. coli. In addition, the biopolymer showed high antibacterial capacities, especially against S. aureus. Plasmid DNA was observed to be effectively protected from oxidative stresses by the biopolymer. Furthermore, the biopolymer exhibited greatly suppressed haemolysis (lower than 2%), notwithstanding the elevated concentration of 50 mg/mL. These results indicated that this novel biopolymer formulation could be further developed for wound care and contamination prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional sun-dried merguez is an authentic Tunisian dried sausage made with a large number of spices and herbs, which was reformulated in this study with camel meat and hump fat and dried as in the artisanal process. This research studied the physicochemical, microbiological, and chemical compositional changes that occurred in fresh camel merguez (FCM) after 12 days of drying to achieve traditional dried camel merguez (DCM). The results showed significant weight loss (54.1%), as well as significant decreases in pH (5.20–4.97), moisture (60.5–12.3%), and water activity (0.986–0.673). These results and the acceptable microbiological quality of DCM can explain the safety of traditionally practiced long-term storage at room temperature. All chemical compositions increased upon drying. The composition of DCM included several organic acids, mainly lactate (2820 mg.kg−1); diverse unsaturated fatty acids, in particular oleic acid (33.2%); and various minerals, specifically iron (8 mg per 100 g), in addition to volatile compounds impacted by herbs and spices rich in terpenes (56.3%). These results can be useful for investing in indigenous products and promoting the exploitation of camel meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Milk flow kinetics recording has been proven to be a valuable tool for milkability assessment in dairy animals. In this study, milk flow curves were recorded for Mediterranean buffaloes and Maghrebi she-camels and the effect of parity and lactation stage were tested. Results revealed that both buffalo and camel species have overall good milkability characteristics, with good milk production/milking and milk flow rates. Buffaloes had higher delayed milk ejection and a high prevalence of overmilking, resulting in longer milking time compared to camels. This study highlighted the need for good management practices to achieve a good milkability in both species. While considered as hard milkers, both buffaloes and camels are milked with equipment destined for dairy cows based on external morphological similarities with this species. This work aimed to study similarities and differences in milkability traits between Mediterranean buffaloes and Maghrebi she-camels and to evaluate the effect of parity and lactation stage. A total of 422 milk flow curves recorded with an electronic milkmeter (Lactocorder®) for both species were accessed. Milking characteristics including milk yield per milking, peak milk flow, average milk flow, duration of the main milking phase, duration of total milking, duration of various phases of milk flow, lag time and time to milk ejection, stripping yield, overmilking time and incidence of bimodal milk flow curves were evaluated for both species. Results showed that the values of milk yield per milking, duration of the main milking phase and duration of total milking were higher in buffaloes (3.98 ± 0.10 kg; 4.07 ± 0.11 min; 9.89 ± 0.21 min, respectively) compared to camels (3.51 ± 0.08 kg; 3.05 ± 0.09 min; 3.76 ± 0.09 min, respectively). However, camels had significantly higher peak and average milk flow (2.45 ± 0.07 kg/min and 1.16 ± 0.03 kg/min, respectively). Camels took significantly less time for milk ejection to occur. Only 15.49% of recorded curves were bimodal in buffaloes while 34.93% of bimodal curves were recorded for camels. Overmilking was significantly higher in buffaloes (3.64 ± 0.21 min vs. 0.29 ± 0.02 min). Parity and lactation stage had a significant effect on most studied milking traits suggesting the need for some particular practices with primiparous animals and animals at different levels of lactation for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial technology (fintech) innovations are transforming banking globally. Their adoption poses new opportunities and risks for Islamic banks with unique requirements. This study examines fintech's implications for risk management effectiveness in United Arab Emirates Islamic banks. A conceptual model incorporates factors like fintech adoption, emerging capabilities, digital maturity, and IT security influencing outcomes. Primary data were collected via survey from nine UAE Islamic banks and analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results show that fintech adoption and capabilities positively impacted effectiveness, while digital transformation alone did not. The findings also show that the regulatory environment did not moderate relationships as hypothesized. The findings provide empirical evidence on optimizing risk management through responsible fintech enablement and oversight alignment in the UAE context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Camel calf’s diarrhea is considered the chief economic loss in the camelid population. There is currently no vaccine licensed to prevent colibacillosis in camel calves. The new era of bacterial antibiotic resistance explains the treatment failure and the high mortality and morbidity associated with the disease. Current protective treatments have thus far limited efficacy and need to be replaced. Due to their antimicrobial properties and safety, natural products are recently finding a capital role in infection management. Aims: The current study explores Escherichia coli F17 susceptibility as a clinical strain isolated from diarrheic camel calves to a wide panel of natural products. Methods: Agar diffusion method, integrity of cell membrane, hydrophobicity of bacterial surface, biofilm assays, and motility were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Coffea, Retama raetam, Moringa oleifera, Juniperus phoenicea, Uritica dioica, Camellia sinensis, Lavandula angustifolia, and Cuminum cyminum extracts against isolated bacteria. Results: Interestingly, all eight tested extracts have the damaging ability of E. coli F17’s cell membrane and cause the nucleic acid release after 12 hours. Escherichia coli F17 strain has the surface of hydrophobicity which changed after contact with extracts of the plant. Moreover, the motility of the studied bacteria changed after exposure to all plant extracts. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that all extracts, exempt U. dioica, can remove up to 50% biofilm of E. coli biomass as compared with the control. Natural extracts can be used as potential antimicrobial agents to mitigate diarrhea in camel calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of on-farm practices on milk production, chemical and microbiological quality and on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) as well as the evolution of milk quality along the camel dairy value chain in southern Tunisia. A survey of 12 periurban dairy camel farms showed that the use of machine milking is limited (16.7%). The milking hygiene practices need to be improved with only 25% of farmers practiced teat dipping and washed the material with hot water and detergents. In addition, 75% of farmers milked their animals in bedding area. Conservation and marketing conditions for raw camel milk were mediocre. Analysis of on-farm milk quality showed that use of machine milking was related to increased milk production but also caused an increase in the microbial load. Quality assessment at different stages of the production chain showed that the chemical composition of milk was conserved, whereas the physical and microbiological quality was altered. At production, the load in Mesophilic Total Aerobic Flores (MTAF) was low with 17.4 × 104 cfu/mL, compared to bulk and point of sale milk, which had a significantly higher load (21.2 × 105 cfu/mL and 61.2 × 105 cfu/mL, respectively). The acceptability threshold of Acidity, MTAF, Total Coliforms and S. aureus prevalence were exceeded in all samples purchased from points of sale. Therefore, improvements in milking hygiene, milk storage, and transport conditions are essential in order to guarantee the quality of camel's milk to meet the needs of the consumer. The use of machine milking for dromedary camels in Southern Tunisia is limited and most she camels are milked by hand with suckling of the calf. Milking routine affect significantly the bacterial load of camel milk. Sanitation problems and keeping the cold chain are the biggest challenge in the dairy camel sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin is a natural polymer that can be derived from collagen through hydrolysis. It most extensively used in diverse fields, mainly in pharmaceuticals and therapeutic. Herein Gelatin was newly extracted from camel (Camelus dromedarius) skin and irradiated with gamma rays from 60Co source. Gelatin was optimized and characterization and functional properties were determined. The structural changes occurring after 1-irradiation at doses from 5 to 30 kGy were reported by physico-chemical techniques such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the first time. Results revealed that gelatin yield increased significantly (P<0.05) as the extraction temperature and time increased (19.71%) at 70°C for 12 h. EPR spectroscopy demonstrated that 10 kGy of radiation-induced the decomposition of side groups. New peak positions (Paramagnetic centers) were located at around 3800 G. Moreover, an enhancement of EPR peak (3300 and 3400 G) (g-factor = 2.0) was detected. In addition, free radicals trapped in the crystalline regions were moved toward the boundary regions and the amorphous phases disappeared. XRD patterns showed a new peak at 21= 65.8° and a diminution of the relative intensity for the peak of 21= 20.54° after 30 kGy. FTIR measurements revealed structural deformations from 5 kGy through chain scission of C-H chains as well as the deformation of the C=O carboxyl groups with increasing 1-radiation doses. The camel skin was thus proved to be a source of gelatin. Irradiation induced a structural deformation with desirable functionalities that make it a potent source of gelatin that could be used in food and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transformation of camel milk into cheese is an operation considered very delicate because of several difficulties encountered in achieving coagulation. The present study aims to improve coagulation abilities of camel milk using enzyme extracts from kiwi juice. Methods: The optimum characteristics of extract were determined (pH, temperature and CaCl2 concentration), a fresh cheese was manufactured and the physicochemical and organoleptic qualities were determined. Result: Our results concerning the characterization of the enzymatic extract showed an extraction yield as 63.97%±5.22. The optimum coagulation conditions were: pH=6.6, temperature= 40°C and a volume of used enzymatic extract as 1.5 ml. A fresh cheese was made from camel milk with a particular nutritional quality and consistency. The kiwi proteases displayed chymosin-like properties and thus hold the best potential for use as a milk coagulant in cheese production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary gland of female mammals immediately after birth during the first few days. The presence of colostrum in the milk is not a good sign, especially when the milk is intended for further processing. Because the transformation of camel milk into derivative products is becoming more and more important and is gaining the interest of industries, it is therefore important to identify unsuitable milk containing colostrum for the dairy industry. The objective of this work was to study the relation between the chemical composition of camel colostrum and its color using the CIELAB color space (CIEL* = from white to black, a* = from red to green, and b* = from yellow to blue). The color of colostrum reflects its quality. A paler color is associated with a lower colostrum value in terms of its general composition. Indeed, the chemical composition of camel colostrum in terms of dry matter, protein, and fat was highly correlated with the color parameters a* (redness) and b* (yellowness). Therefore, a color evaluation can be an effective method to detect colostrum in milk because generally there was a strong correlation between the composition of camel colostrum and its color. Camel milk industrialization faces technological problems related to the presence of colostrum in milk. The determination of color parameters may serve to differentiate between colostrum and milk. This work aimed to study the relationship between the chemical composition of camel colostrum and milk and their colors. Samples of colostrum were collected at 2, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 360 h postpartum (n = 16), and their physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, viscosity, color, dry matter, ash, protein, and fat) were analyzed. The results show that all the components decreased during the first 3 days except fat. The content of this later increased from zero in the three sampling on the first day (2, 12, and 24 h) to 1.92 ± 0.61% at 48 h postpartum. The amount of total dry matter and protein decreased from 20.95 ± 3.63% and 17.43 ± 4.28% to 13.05 ± 0.81% and 3.71 ± 0.46%, respectively, during the first 7 days postpartum. There was a weak correlation between the brightness (L*) of the camel milk and its contents of dry matter, protein, and fat; however, these parameters were strongly correlated with redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Ash content was poorly correlated with the color parameters. Hence, the measurement of the color parameters of camel colostrum and milk can be a new tool to evaluate their quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and specific detection of pathogenic bacteria in fecal samples is of critical importance for the diagnosis of neonatal diarrhea in veterinary clinics. Nanobodies are a promising tool for the treatment and diagnosis of infectious diseases due to their unique recognition properties. In this study, we report the design of a nanobody-based magnetofluorescent immunoassay for the sensitive detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli F17-positive strains (E. coli F17). For this, a camel was immunized with purified F17A protein from F17 fimbriae and a nanobody library was constructed by phage display. Two specific anti-F17A nanobodies (Nbs) were selected to design the bioassay. The first one (Nb1) was conjugated to magnetic beads (MBs) to form a complex capable of efficiently capturing the target bacteria. A second horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated nanobody (Nb4) was used for detection by oxidizing o-phenylenediamine (OPD) to fluorescent 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP). Our results show that the immunoassay recognizes E. coli F17 with high specificity and sensitivity, with a detection limit of 1.8 CFU/mL in only 90 min. Furthermore, we showed that the immunoassay can be applied to fecal samples without pretreatment and remains stable for at least one month when stored at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of camel milk to treat diabetes has been shown recently, especially in experimental animals and in patients with diabetes type 1 (T1DM), whereas studies on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are limited. In this clinical trial, 60 patients with T2DM who used oral antidiabetic drugs were assigned into two groups; group 1 received—in addition to the antidiabetic prescribed medicines—500 mL of raw camel milk divided equally two times/day (fasting in the morning and the night) for three months. Group 2 was treated during the same period only by the oral antidiabetic medicaments without consumption of camel milk. A significant decrease was shown in fasting blood glucose (FBG) (from 9.89 ± 0.98 to 6.13 ± 0.55 mmol/L) and postprandial glucose (PPG) (from 15.89 ± 4.34 to 7.44 ± 1.02 mmol/L) in the group 1. A significant decline (P < 0.05) in HbA1c levels was observed in the group treated with camel milk (from 9.44 ± 0.16 to 6.61 ± 0.14%, with a percentage decrease of 30%). Total cholesterol and TG significantly decreased in group 1. Urea and creatinine showed no statistical differences between the two groups during the trial. Based on this study's results, camel milk could be useful for glycemic control in T2DM patients using oral hypoglycemic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin (GEL) is extensively used in various fields, particularly in therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. In this study GEL was extracted from goat skin using hot temperature extraction process and compared with that of commercial GEL. The physico-chemical characterization and functional properties were investigated by using temperature denaturation (Td), water-holding and fat-binding capacities (WHC and FBC), colour measurement and UV-light spectrum. In vitro biocompatibility was studied for the first time and was evaluated by blood coagulation index (BCI) and haemolytictests for wound dressing applications. The results revealed thermal stability of goat GEL at Td 37°C. WHC and FBC capacities were determined as 2.5 and 1.2 g/ml, respectively. The hunter colour spaces a*, b* and L* were -0.27, -1.97 and 25.23respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectrum of the goat GEL showed a maximum absorption peak at 280 nm. The in vitro anticoagulant activities of extracting GEL were higher than 70% after incubation for one hour. After being in contact with red blood cells for 1 h, the haemolysis ratio increased from to 0.46 to 1.4 when the concentration of goat GEL increased from 1 to 50 mg/ml suggesting the safety of the tested samples. These results suggest that thromboresistivity and hemocompatibility of this biopolymer retained the biological activity of our samples for biomaterial applications. According to this, goat GEL successfully competes with, and significantly could be useful for substitution of bovine in wound healingapplications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy animals can constitute a reservoir for Escherichia coli potentially dangerous for humans. Our objectives were to investigate virulence genes in E. coli isolated from healthy animals in southern Tunisia and to determine their resistance to antimicrobials of high importance in humans and animals. 126 fecal samples were collected from healthy animals (cattle, sheep, goats, chicken, camel, bustard and rabbit) and assayed by PCR for virulence genes and by disk diffusion for antimicrobial resistance. STEC were isolated most frequently from goats (27.7%), sheep (20%) and cattle (14.2%). ExPEC prevalence of iucD (41.6%), papC (27.7%), sfa (13.8%), afa8 (13.8%) and iron (72.2%) was highest in camels. Prevalence of the ExPEC associated genes iss and cnf and the EPEC defining gene eae was highest in rabbits (53.3, 13.3, and 53.3%, respectively). The genes defining enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive and enteroaggregative E. coli were not detected and faeG was found only in camels (5.5%). The most common phylogenetic groups were B1 (54.5%) and B2 (16.6%). Virulence gene profiles varied greatly between animal species. Overall, antimicrobial resistance was not highly prevalent, the highest resistance being observed against tetracycline, 43.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that oxytocin (OT) could be released during suckling and during milking with and without the presence of a calf and that this release could be regulated by maternal behaviour. Plasma concentration patterns of OT and cortisol (CORT) were measured in six Tunisian dromedary camels during 2 suckling episodes, 2 manual milking episodes with calves beside the mother and 2 machine milking episodes without calves present. Various patterns of OT release were observed between each camel including specific two peak release patterns. Higher plasma OT concentrations were found during the suckling and hand-milking episodes with simultaneous suckling of calves, than during the machine milking episodes without calves. Exclusive mechanical milking episodes also evoked significant mean OT release, although greatly reduced compared to suckling and hand milking. The low basal levels and classical CORT release patterns suggested non-stressful management practices were used and there were very limited differences in udder stimulation between managements. The OT release induced by exclusive suckling and suckling together with hand-milking gives a reference point for what a good milk ejection stimulation is in camels. The important and specific reduction of OT release during machine milking without the calf present could be a physiological consequence of the maternal behaviour (selectivity for the own young) and to a lesser extent explained by a lower stimulation by machine milking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of camel milk into cheese is an operation considered very delicate because of several difficulties encountered in achieving coagulation. The present study aims to improve coagulation abilities of camel milk using enzyme extracts from pineapple, kiwi, and ginger. Our results concerning the characterization of the enzymatic extract showed an extraction yield that varies according to the type of extract (pineapple: 75.28% ± 4.59, kiwi: 63.97% ± 5.22, and ginger: 28.64% ± 1.47). The optimum coagulation conditions of the 3 types of extract were as follows: for pineapple: pH = 5 and temperature = 45°C; for kiwifruit: pH = 6.6 and temperature = 40°C; and for ginger: pH = 6.6 and temperature = 45°C. A fresh cheese was made from camel milk with a particular nutritional quality and consistency. The kiwi proteases displayed chymosin-like properties and thus hold the best potential for use as a milk coagulant in cheese production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The food security of Tunisia is dependent on utilising all of its resources effectively to feed the population. Rangelands used for grazing are subject to continuous degradation, which reduces the availability of feeds to livestock. In the oasis regions, this constraint is attenuated by the systematic use of various by-products of the palm grove. There is a need to constantly search for alternative feed resources to support ruminant-livestock farming in arid regions and, therefore, the products of desert oases need to be exploited Aims: The present work aimed to determine the effect of the use of local resources of oases on feed intake and milk quality of goats. Methods: Twenty-four indigenous lactating goats were used to investigate the effect of the substitution of the concentrate feed with alternative feed obtained from oases in Tunisian arid zones. The three study groups in the 60-day trial were as follows: the first group received 0% date waste (WD) + 100% concentrate (CON) + oaten hay; the second group received 50% WD + 30% alfalfa cork (AC) + 20% CON + alfalfa hay; and the third group received 50% WD + 50% AC and no CON + alfalfa hay. Key results: Feed intake was higher in Group 2 (1167.10 ± 42.8 g DM/day) than in Groups 3 and 1 (1028.9 ± 68.9 and 856.04 ± 58.9 g DM/day respectively. Average daily milk production did not differ among the groups. Dietary fat and crude protein were not affected by the type of ration. The concentrations of saturated fatty acids were similar in the milk of the three groups. In the three groups studied, the ratio n6 : n3 (12.80, 8.80 and 6.77) was higher than the recommended value (<5) for human consumption. Conclusions: The use of WD did not affect milk production but it improved the nutritional quality of milk, especially the composition of fatty acid (ratio n6/n3). Implications: The use of alternative resources in goat feeding, such as WD and alfalfa cork, can replace the use of market feeds and decrease the costs of animal feed. Inclusion of date-palm waste in animal feed is a traditional practice in oases, but its effect on the quality of animal products has rarely been studied. Its socioeconomic impact is significant, since it contributes to job creation through the sale of date-palm waste to livestock farmers, and it generates supplemental income valued by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of natural resources in small ruminants feeding can reduce the cost of feed and produce good meat quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of local feed resources on the physico‐chemical aspects, the sensorial characteristics and the fatty acid profile of goat kid's meat. Twenty‐six kids are divided in three groups (average body weight = 15.85 kg; age = 4 months). The groups received oat hay (group control C), dried olive leaves + dried Stipa tenacissima (group OL) or grass hay (group Ko). The animals were slaughtered after 90 days of experience, with an approximate final live weight of 18.5 kg. Total solids, pH, fat, crude protein, vitamin, cholesterol and fatty acid contents of meat were determined. The OL group had the highest ultimate pH (6.82 vs. 6.73); cooking loss, gross composition (total solids, protein and fat), cholesterol and colour coordinates (L, a* and b*) were similar among groups. The vitamin E, affected by diet, was higher in group OL than the other groups (3.71 mg/kg vs. 1.32 and 2.17 mg/kg, respectively, for C and Ko groups). Moreover, meat from this group showed the highest saturated fatty acid. Unsaturated fatty acids content was higher in the meat of C and Ko groups. On the other side, polyunsaturated fatty acid level was not affected by the diet treatment. The n6/n3 ratio was significantly affected by the diet; it was lower in meat of groups Ko and OL (3.17 and 3.38 respectively). The feeding effect on sensory quality of meat was not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]