# Effects of Adding Sodium Diacetate and Aspergillus oryzae to TMR Diets on Lactating Camel Production Performance, Milk Quality, and Fecal Microbiota

## TL;DR

Adding sodium diacetate to camel feed improves milk quality by increasing vitamins and fatty acids without affecting milk yield.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that sodium diacetate enhances bioactive milk components in lactating camels without altering yield.

## Key findings

- SDA increased Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and unsaturated fatty acids in camel milk.
- SDA treatment boosted the abundance of the fungal genus Melanocarpus in fecal microbiota.
- Milk yield and routine components remained unaffected by SDA or AO supplementation.

## Abstract

Low milk production and inconsistent milk quality in lactating camels are significant challenges in the camel breeding industry that require urgent attention. The use of feed additives to enhance both milk yield and quality represents an efficient and cost-effective approach. This study assessed the effects of two feed additives—sodium diacetate and Aspergillus oryzae—on lactating camels. The results suggest that these additives have the potential to improve the bioactive content in camel milk, offering a promising strategy for enhancing milk quality. These findings provide valuable insights into the future development of feed additives tailored for lactating camels, guiding the industry toward improved productivity and milk quality.

Camel milk is highly valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, extensive management systems often lead to inconsistent milk quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium diacetate (SDA) and Aspergillus oryzae (AO) as dietary additives on the milk composition and fecal microbiota of lactating Bactrian camels. Thirty camels of similar parity were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (TMR), an SDA group (1000 mg/kg DM), and an AO group (40 g/d). The trial lasted 45 days, including a 15-day acclimation period. Routine milk components were analyzed every 10 days, while fatty acids and fecal microbiota were assessed on day 30. Results showed that SDA supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in milk without affecting milk yield or routine components. Microbiota analysis indicated that SDA treatment significantly increased the abundance of the fungal genus Melanocarpus, although no broad shifts in microbial community structure were observed across groups. In conclusion, dietary SDA (1000 mg/kg) effectively enhances bioactive substances in camel milk while maintaining stable milk quality. These findings suggest that SDA is a viable “green” additive for improving the functional value of camel milk in intensive production systems.