Camel

Care and Management of Orphan Camel Calves

November 13, 2023

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Care and Management of Orphan Camel Calves

Camel calves usually become orphan either due to death of dam during parturition or sale of dam. Orphan camel calves will have low survival rates unless they have drunk colostrum and can sit up and stand. A normal, healthy camel calf can stand and suckle within two hours after birth. Most will walk within five hours and be strong enough to follow their mother within two days after birth. Therefore special attention should be provided towards orphan camel calves. The rearing of orphan camel calves presents unique challenges that require specialized care and attention. As social animals with distinct behavioral traits, camels thrive on maternal care and communal living. When orphaned, these calves are susceptible to stress, nutritional deficiencies, and social isolation. This guide provides comprehensive insights into the care and management of orphan camel calves, covering essential aspects such as nutrition, health, and social well-being.

Fostering

Fostering onto a lactating camel cow is the first option for an orphan camel calf. For the fostering to be successful, the calf’s ‘new’ smell must be hidden from the cow and the calf must freely drink milk from the cow’s udder. This process can be achieved by first restraining the camel cow and orphan calf, in order to wipe a strong-smelling, apply non-toxic substance such as fish oil over both the cow’s nose and the calf. This will block the ability of the cow to detect the orphancalf’s new smell. Next the foster camel cow should then be left alone with the orphan calf for a day to let the calf drink.

Hand-feeding

Hand-feeding is the second option for an orphan camel calf. This can be done with one of the following: · Colostrum collected within the first three days of lactation from camels, goats or cattle · Milk collected from camels, goats or cattle · Customised colostrum or milk replacers; or · Commercial colostrum or milk replacers.

Hand-feeding routine

Initially hand-feed fresh colostrum, milk or replacer at body temperature with a large rubber calf teat. This ensures that the camel calf receives milk at an adequate temperature and flow rate. · After the first couple of weeks, room temperature milk is satisfactory. · Refrigerate excess colostrum or milk replacer and always keep the feeding equipment clean. · In general, feed ½ litre of milk or replacer four times during the day and twice during the night. Build up the amount of each feed and reduce the frequency to twice a day by four months of age. By this time, weaning onto solid feed has commenced.

The diseases or health hazards of camel calves

Vaccination and treatment against viral diseases like camel pox, rinderpest and bacterial diseases like anthrax and pulmonary-affection-complex helps to prevent losses due to diseases.

Tick infections and their control

Ticks are killed by spraying, removing by hand or applying kerosene or a lighted cigarette to the back of the tick. Infections can be controlled by pasture rotation. Tick paralysis can be caused by the bite of a single tick. The only treatment for paralysis is to quickly find and remove the tick. If this is done quickly enough the animal will eventually recover.

Problems caused by fly maggots

Fly maggots can prevent healing of wounds and other germs may infect the wound. The maggots of the camel nasal fly are usually seen in the spring and summer. Maggots should be removed from wounds and the wound properly cleaned and dressed. The maggots of the nasal fly can be killed by giving injections of nitroxynil but this need only be done if veterinary officer advises it.

Ringworm infection of the camel calves

It is infectious and will spread to other animals and can infect humans. Ringworm is treated by applying tincture of iodine. Test the Skin scrapings to discover if the problem is caused by mange or ringworm.

Table 1: The development and needs of orphan camel calves

Age of camel calf— Approximate weight of camel calf –Note—- Comment

Newborn (birth to 5 days)- 35 – 40 kg–Navel cord is not yet shrivelled.—- Feed colostrum or replacer up to 8 times per day. Provide clean, dry, quiet shelter and check that: • naval cord is clean and dry (disinfect if still moist); • Urination and defecation are problem free.

Young (1 week to 2 months)—- 40 – 70 kg—Navel cord is shrivelled.– · Feed milk or replacer, reducing from 8 to 4 times per day. · Provide clean, dry, quiet shelter. · Provide a companion animal.

Growing (2 to 4 months)— 70 – 110 kg —-Calf still drinks milk and starts eating solid feed.— · Feed milk or replacer 4 times to once per day. · Feed high quality, high protein solid feed. · Provide clean, dry, sheltered pen. · Provide a companion animal if possible.

Weaner (4 to 9 months)— 110 – 150 kg—–Calf drinks less milk and eats more solid feed.—— Wean onto high protein solid feed e.g. lucerne hay, topfeed. Yard with other camels.

Table 2: Guide to the amount of milk to feed to orphan camel calves

Age of camel calf— Approximate weight of camel calf— Number of feeds per day– Maximum amount per feed

up to 1 week— 40 kg– up to 8 (initially colostrum, 2-hourly)——- ¾ litre

2 to 4 weeks –50 kg 6 —(4-hourly) —2 litres

up to 2 months —70 kg —4 (6-hourly) —3½ litres

up to 3 months— 90 kg— 3 (8-hourly)—— 4½ litres

up to 4 months —110 kg —2 (12-hourly)—– 3½ litres

up to 5 months— 130 kg —-1 (24-hourly) —-3½ litres

Table 3: Camel colostrum replacers

Replacer #1 camel, cattle or goat colostrum.

Replacer #2 commercial colostrums.

Replacer #3 (recipe for 1 litre) 600 mL cattle or goat milk; 300 mL clean water; 1 whipped egg; 5 mL paraffin oil (or 5 – 10 g charcoal); 10 – 15 g diarrhoea salts/ electrolytes; 10 – 20 g glucose; vitamin B and C; 10 mL plain yoghurt.

Replacer #4 (recipe for 1 litre) 1L commercial cattle or human milk replacer (as per manufacturer’s directions); 5 mL paraffin oil (or 5 – 10 g charcoal); 10 – 15 g diarrhoea salts/ electrolytes; vitamin B and C; vitamin A and D drops (as per manufacturer’s directions); 10 mL plain yoghurt. * Use ‘colostrum replacers’ up to day 5 oflife. * Fresh colostrum can be collected and frozen, then thawed and carefully warmed to body temperature when needed. * For extra immune protection, add 50 mL of camel serum to these ‘colostrum replacer’ recipes.

Table 4: Camel milk replacers

Replacer #1 (recipe for 1 litre) 500 mL cattle milk; 500 mL skim milk; 10 – 20 g glucose; 50 g skim milk powder; 10 mL plain yoghurt

Replacer #2 (recipe for 1 litre) 1 L goat milk; 50 g skim milk powder; 10 mL plain yoghurt.

Replacer #3 (recipe for 1 litre) 1 L commercial cattle milk replacer (as per manufacturer’s directions); 10 – 20 g glucose; 50 g skim milk powder; 10 mL plain yoghurt. ** Use ‘milk replacers’ as early as day 3 of life. ** To improve calf growth rate, increase skim milk powder to 500 g in these ‘milk replacer’ recipes.

IMPORTANT WORK TO BE DONE

Early Identification and Isolation:

Prompt Identification: Early identification of orphaned camel calves is crucial. Calves may be orphaned due to maternal rejection, illness, or other factors. Regular monitoring of the herd allows for timely identification.
Isolation: Isolate orphaned calves from the herd to prevent stress and potential harm from other animals. A quiet and secure environment aids in the adjustment period.

Nutrition and Feeding:

Colostrum Supplementation: Ensure the orphan calf receives colostrum, preferably within the first six hours of life, to provide essential antibodies and nutrients.
Milk Replacers: Use quality camel milk replacers containing the necessary nutrients. Adjust feeding frequency and quantities based on the age and weight of the calf.

Hydration:

Water Provision: Provide clean and easily accessible water to orphaned camel calves. Ensure water containers are suitable for their height, allowing them to drink comfortably.

Socialization and Behavioral Stimulation:

Companionship: As social animals, camels thrive on companionship. Provide a surrogate companion, such as a gentle adult camel or other compatible animals, to mitigate social isolation.
Environmental Enrichment: Create an enriched environment with features like scratching posts, hanging objects, or toys to stimulate natural behaviors and prevent boredom.

Health Monitoring and Veterinary Care:

Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the health and development of orphaned calves. Address any signs of illness promptly.
Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Implement a vaccination schedule and parasite control program as recommended by a veterinarian.

Shelter and Comfort:

Shelter: Provide adequate shelter to protect orphaned calves from extreme weather conditions. A well-ventilated and clean environment promotes comfort and well-being.
Bedding: Ensure comfortable bedding, such as straw or sand, to support the natural lying and resting behaviors of camel calves.

Weaning Process:

Gradual Weaning: Initiate the weaning process gradually, transitioning from milk replacers to solid feed. Monitor the calf’s weight and behavior during this period, adjusting the diet as needed.

Training and Handling:

Gentle Handling: Practice gentle handling and positive reinforcement to build trust with orphaned camel calves. This facilitates easier management and reduces stress during routine procedures.

Integrating Back into the Herd:

Gradual Reintroduction: When the orphaned calf is mature enough, reintroduce it gradually to the herd. Monitor social interactions and ensure a smooth integration process.

Record Keeping:

Health Records: Maintain detailed health and growth records for orphaned camel calves. Document vaccinations, weight changes, and any medical treatments for future reference.

Conclusion

The care and management of orphan camel calves demand a holistic and attentive approach. Providing proper nutrition, veterinary care, social companionship, and a suitable environment are fundamental to the well-being and successful rearing of orphaned calves. By integrating these practices, caretakers can ensure that orphan camel calves not only survive but thrive in their formative years, contributing to the resilience and health of the overall camel herd.

Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.