CAMEL MILK A GROWING INDUSTRY

AUSTRALIAN CAMEL MILK INDUSTRY IS GROWING RAPIDLY

AUSTRALIANS SHARE THE CONTINENT WITH THE WORLD’S BIGGEST FERAL CAMEL POPULATION

The first camels were brought to Australia from India and Afghanistan as they were a great mode of desert transport, eventually being released into the wild after motorized transport arrived to take over their duties. While the consumption of camel milk is relatively new in Australia it has been used for centuries by nomads who use it for sustenance in the deserts. Today camel milk is seeing a growth in popularity among the health-conscious as a dairy alternative with added benefits. And it could be a solution to Australia’s feral camel population, it is estimated that about 1 million roam free in Australia’s and are destined to double again after every 8-10 years. Australians as wild camels are among the only animals in the world that can be domesticated, released into the wild again and then re-domesticated. Many believe this is a fantastic opportunity to tap into what has until now been an underutilised natural recourse which could not only be great for the Australian market but a great export. Nutritionally, camel milk is extremely different to any other milk out there on the market. Compared to traditional dairy, it’s low in fat, low in lactose, and higher in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, as well as iron and lactoferrin. While similar in colour and texture to cow’s milk it has it has its own unique milky flavour. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) said in 2006 that drinking camel milk is ideal for those suffering from food allergies and intolerances. Camel milk is known for its anti-inflammatory, strong protective proteins, anti-microbial and nutritious value and early research shows that it reduces the amount of insulin needed for people with diabetes. Camel milk can also be a great alternative dairy option because of its low levels of lactose that makes it easier for the body to break it down. Camel Milk is also used in the production of body care products as it has ingredients that can assists with the promotion of healthy skin and »

inhibits the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines whilst boosting collagen production to assist with improved skin elasticity. Ethical camel milk production means managing an animal very carefully, this care results in the slow production process. Only happy camels will provide milk as they have a physical let down to release it, like a human. If she isn’t happy or settled, she won’t let the milk down. A camel will produce around four litres of milk per day, compared to a Jersey cow that produces around 20-40 litres, resulting in an average price of $17-$20 per litre. There are at least 8 camel farms in Australia producing drinking milk and a range of other products such as soap, chocolates, feta and skin care creams. Camel’s milk contains about a third less lactose than cow’s milk and camel’s milk and human milk are very similar, and are identical in protein size, structure, and digestibility. Animal-loving consumers also like the way the farm’s animals are treated.

RICH IN NUTRIENTS

Camel milk has a similar nutritional composition to whole cow’s milk but provides less saturated fat, more unsaturated fat, and higher amounts of several vitamins and minerals.

HEALTH BENEFITS

•May be a better choice for people with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy. Plus, it may • have antidiarrheal properties. May lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, especially in people with type 1 and • type 2 diabetes. Contains lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and camel whey protein, which may be responsible for its ability to fight organisms and boost • immunity. May aid certain behavioural and neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, as well as neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, but evidence • is limited. Can replace other types of milk in most cases.

THE CAMEL MILK CO AUSTRALIA A LABOR OF LOVE

Megan and Chris Williams established the forerunner to Camel Milk Co on a Victorian to dairy farm in 2014. Megan says “having been brought up working on a Dairy farm, and then falling in love with Camels, it seemed like a perfect match for us to start up a Camel Milk Dairy….:" It started with the arrival of just three camels on their newly purchased 107 acre block in Northern Victoria. These few camels not only taught Megan and Chris about the boundaries of a camel and a love of the magnificent animals. With this knowledge they designed and built Victoria's first licenced Camel Dairy. By early 2015 Megan and Chris had truly pioneered the way - sustainably farming the land and milking their camels alongside their babies. As the demand for fresh camel milk grew so did the farm with the regular purchases of wild camels to produce the milk. By the end of 2016, Megan and Chris had tripled their staff and moved to a 480 acre farm where they built a new automatic 5 aside double up walk through Camel Dairy which still allowed mother and baby to be together. All milk is pasteurised on farm and is distributed throughout Australia and selected countries around the world. This high demand and global interest led Chris and Megan to rename the business to The Camel Milk Co Australia as the benefits of camel milk become more and more recognised within Australia and around the world. In addition to fresh Camel Milk, they have Camel Milk soaps, lip balms, body butters, liquid soaps and powdered milk.