Camel milk may be a healthier alternative to dairy milk, with researchers saying it contains fewer allergens and offers other health benefits. Camel milk has the potential to be hypoallergenic compared to cow’s milk. That’s because camel milk lacks beta-lactoglobulin, one of the major allergens in cow’s milk. Camel’s milk also may have the potential to boost the immune system and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease due to its antimicrobial properties and anti-hypertensive properties. Camels are hardier animals, able to survive in dry, acrid environments, which makes them suitable for climates that are unfavorable for traditional cattle farming. As for the taste of camel’s milk, Amos Miller, owner of a camel farm near Bird-in-Hand in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, described it as “milk with a little bit of salt in it, not quite as sweet as cow’s milk,” with higher fat content and creamier. Miller’s herd of a dozen camels feed on basic a diet of grass and weeds, and are provided with extra minerals, but no supplements. Adult camels cost $8,000 to $10,000 each, while yearlings are $3,000 to $4,000. Miller’s first camel arrived on his 55-acre farm 6 years ago, purchased from a farm in Michigan, and demand for the milk has been steady ever since.
