Ascorbic acid concentrations in milk from Sudanese camels.

The present study in Sudanese camels was done to describe the associations between vitamin C concentrations in milk, and either breed, stage of lactation, parity or the presence of mastitis. A total of 2586 camels were sampled. Arabi camels had higher ascorbic acid levels in milk than did either Anafi or Bishari camels. Milk ascorbic acid levels were higher for camels more than 180 days in lactation than for those earlier in lactation. Multiparous vs. primiparous camels had higher ascorbic acid concentrations in their milk. The ascorbic acid content of colostrum was higher than that of milk. Mastitis was associated with a decrease in the ascorbic acid content of both milk and blood plasma.