Camel livestock in the Algerian Sahara under the context of climate change: Milk properties and livestock production practices

Camel livestock is an ancestral activity in Algeria; however, climate change has forced camel herders to modify their breeding practices to make them more sustainable. This study summarized livestock production practices, milk qualities, and the potential of camel livestock to preserve production ability under global warming. To collect data related to livestock farming practices, 10 camel herders were interviewed using a formal questionnaire. Then, 15 milk samples (9 samples of raw milk and 6 samples that had undergone heat treatment) were collected in the region of Oued Souf in southeastern Algeria to carry out the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis. From 1990 to 2021, results showed severe drought accompanied by a significant increase in the annual average maximum temperature with a temporal slope of 0.04 °C year−1 and a significant decline in annual precipitation with a temporal slope of −0.07 mm year−1. A socio-demographic survey revealed a low educational level for camel herders. They owned small herd of camels (6.84 ± 8.66 camels) in the transhumant and extensive system or > 150 heads in the nomadic and extensive system. The average daily milk production in the nomadic system was very low (<3 L/day); it was less important compared to that in the transhumant system (4–5 L/day), with an acceptable physicochemical quality but poor bacteriological quality.Given the susceptibility of the research area, we recorded that camel livestock and travel mobility were used as adaptation strategies to the effects of climate change. On the one hand, camel breed conservation programs can enhance biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem. On the other side, a genetic improvement program that might boost productivity and profitability might be advantageous. Smallholders may benefit from this by receiving a fair and secure income and good working conditions, which could contribute significantly to social equity and local economies