Antibiotic residues in milk are a major health threat for the consumer and a hazard to the dairy industry, causing significant economic losses. This study aims to assess the presence of antibiotic residues in raw milk comparatively by a rapid screening test (BetaStar^® Combo) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 445 samples were collected from 3 dairy companies of north-central Algeria (Algiers, Blida, Boumerdes), and they were rapidly screened for β-lactams and tetracyclines; 52 samples, comprising 34 positive tanker-truck milk and 18 negative bulk-tank milk were tested by LC-MS/MS, which revealed 90.4% were contaminated (n = 47) and 55.3% exceeded the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The β-lactams as parent compounds and their metabolites were the most frequently detected with maximum value for cloxacillin (1231 µg/kg) and penicillin G (2062 µg/kg). Under field condition, the false-positive results, particularly for tetracyclines, seems to be related to milk samples displaying extreme acidity values (≥19°D) or fat-level fluctuations (2.7 g/100 mL and 5.6–6.2 g/100 mL). Despite a relatively low prevalence (7.64%) of residues using the rapid test, the detection by LC-MS/MS of flumequine (52 µg/kg), cefaclor (maximum 220 µg/kg) and metabolites of β-lactams at high levels should lead to reflections on the control of their human and environmental toxicological effects.

The objective of this work was to investigate the fatty acid composition and assess hygienic quality of the Algerian camel milk from Targui breed, then to compare obtained results with cow milk in local rearing conditions. Sampling was performed over three months at a rate of one sample per month. The physicochemical analyzes carried out revealed that the Targui camel milk had averages values of 6.33 ± 0.15 for the pH, acidity equal to 18.50 ± 0.02 °D, and 1030.40 ± 1.08 for density. The total dry extract and the fat levels were lower than those of cow milk. In addition, results of fatty acid profile analysis from camel milk revealed a relatively low level of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) compared to cow milk, palmitic acid (C16:0) being the predominant fatty acid in both milks. The content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) was significantly higher in camel milk fat compared with cow milk, with higher total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) rate in camel milk. Oleic acid (C18:1 n9) was in the same proportions, and the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid in both species. However, no significantly difference was observed between PUFAs levels of camel and cow milk. Linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) was the most represented polyunsaturated fatty acid in both milks with similar proportions. In contrast, the content of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3) was significantly (p<0.001) higher in cow milk than in camel one.

The public authorities have invested considerable financial resources over recent decades in restructuring the dairy milk sector in Algeria with an objective of reducing the country’s dependency on milk imports. This work aims to draw up an inventory of the status of the dairy sector in Algeria on the basis of data collected from published literature while identifying the reasons that slowed down the development of national production. The imports of milks and derivatives estimated at US$1.40 billion in 2018 are ranked in second place after cereals and account for 16.37% of the total import bill for food products (US$8.57 billion). This worrying situation is all the more constraining in a context of economic crisis induced by the downfall of the country’s incomes, due to an almost exclusive dependence on hydrocarbon exports, whose prices have decreased significantly in the last few years. At present, the State’s measures undertaken to promote the various stakeholders of the dairy sector to increase milk production unfortunately remain limited in scope. Further actions will have to be implemented to get this strategic sector back on course.

The control of mastitis is a crucial step in the preparation of the next lactation in dairy cows. In order to assess the practices and attitudes surrounding the use of antimicrobials at dry-off, a survey was conducted among veterinary practitioners in fifteen provinces of Northern Algeria. The results revealed that 45.95% of the farms followed by the respondents were rather small in size comprising about ten cows per farm and that a large majority of the farmers practised gradual drying off (72.97%) without adjusting the feed ration (70.27%) to this stage. Antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) was a common practice and selectively performed in 86.49% of cases regardless of udder health status. Cefalexin was the most infused intra-mammary (IMM) antibiotic (40.54%), while tylosin was the one favoured for parenteral administration (48.15%). Analysis of factors influencing the antibiotic DCT efficacy showed that a frequent (13.51%) occurrence of new intramammary infections (IMIs) was related to farmers’ attitudes (self-medication) and the policy of blanket DCT. Although the use of a teat sealant was uncommon (71.43%) in the farming traditions, the substitution of antibiotics seems to be a plausible prospect, since the majority of participants (89.19%) agreed with the implementation of aromatherapy concept at dry-off, mainly as a complement to antibiotics. This survey gives an overview of risk practices regarding mastitis management in northern Algeria. Hence, further zootechnical, veterinary and organizational efforts need to be made to promote animal production and welfare as well as public health through improved udder health.