Camel belongs to the family Camelidae in the suborder Tylopoda (pad-footed); order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). The family camelidae includes two genusCamelus and Lama. The genus Camelus has two species viz. Camelus dromedarius (single humped or dromedary) having habitat in dry hot arid lands of Africa, Asia and Australia and Camelus bactrianus (Double humped or Bactrian) habitat in cold arid lands of Central palearctic ecozone. These two species are customarily called Old World Camels. The species belonging to genus Lama are Lama vicugna (Vicuna), Lama guanaco (Guanaco), Lama glama (Llama) and Lama pacos (Alpaca). These four species are termed as New World Camels having habitat in South America.
The camel is an important component of Indian fragile desert ecosystem, a proven icon of adaptation with its unique bio-physiological characteristics has formidable ways of living in harsh situations of arid and semi-arid regions. The proverbial Ship of Desert earned its epithet on account of its indispensability as a mode of transportation and draughtability in desert. However, its utilities are subject to continuous social and economic changes. The camel has also played significant role in civil law and order, defence and battles from the ancient times till date. Camels formed an important component of Mauryan Army (C.322-232 BC) and continued through Mughal period (1200-1700 AD) to the present times. The world famous Ganga-Risala of erstwhile Bikaner state was accepted as Imperial Service Troup and participated in World War I and II. Presently, the camel corps constituted an important wing of Border Security Force of Indian Para-Military Service. Despite mechanical transport taken over some of their function, it still contributes considerably to energy needs of the area inhabited by them. It is used for transport of crop residues, cash crops and similar entities from villages to adjoining towns and cities for sale. Camels in carts also transport urban goods more economically than motorized vehicles particularly where small quantities are delivered to individual service points with relatively long halts. Camel also easily accomplishes household needs, such as transport of water and other similar needs of normal houses. Camels are used widely as plough animals and seem to be equally as efficient in producing draught as most other species. The camel has many unique qualities to survive and serve under harsh climate and utilize low quality feed resources which other species cannot consume. In fact, the camels are the life line of rural population in remote villages in the present era also. Any development programme for livestock production system to which local people are well adapted has much greater chance to succeed and therefore camel improvement efforts have positive possibilities. There is no weakness in the camel as a domestic animal dedicated to serve the people but the mechanization of agricultural operations and the transport facilities have created a man-made weakness in it. The NRCC has taken up the initiatives to sustain the camel in the desert eco-system but the sustenance of camel is looking towards the policy makers and the mental make up of the modern population. Use of camel bio-energy can save foreign exchange on the petroleum products because the camels are renewable natural source of power and require indigenous renewable natural resources to survive and substantiate. However, motivation of the people and proper policies can lead to even better development of this species and hence that of the camel keepers of this country. The emphasis would be on developing perspective and strategic camel improvement policy and to undertake related research programmes to prove this animal as a multi-utility animal linking various good attributes of this animal for the benefit of human society, use and propagate camel milk and other products for extracting health and other benefits for human and animal health and involve various related scientific and promoting institutions of the region for future sustenance of camel.
This animal is used for milk production. Its meat is also utilized. Mostly in India it is use for drought purpose. It is also used for medicinal purpose. Its products are used for treatment of heart patients, hepatitis, and arthritis and diabetes patients .
Camel breeds
Different camel breeds are present in world which use as draught purpose and milk purpose purpose like in India breeds :
BIKANERI CAMEL
Bikaneri Male
Bikaneri Male
Bikaneri breed of camel is one of the major camel breeds found in India. The breed derives its name from the city Bikaner which was established by Rao Bika in the 15th century and is known for better draught potential.
- Habitat and Distribution
Bikaneri camels are predominantly bred in Bikaner and near by districts, such as Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Nagaur of Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Haryana and Punjab state. The breeding tract extends in east from 71°53’ to 78°15’ longitude and in north from 24°37’ to 30°30’ latitude. The home tract of this breed is arid and sandy with extreme hot and cold climates.
To collaborate with national and international resources.
- Features
The camels of Bikaneri breed are heavily built and are attractive with a noble look. It has good height, strong built and active habits. The colour of the coat varies from brown to black, however in some animals reddish tinge is also found. They have symmetrical body and slightly dome shaped head. The fore head has a well-marked depression (stop) above the eyes, which is characteristic of this breed. Nose is long and extends up to two third of the head. Some camels of this breed have a luxuriant growth of hair on their eyebrows, eyelids and ears, they are called ‘jheepra’. The chest pad is well developed and placed between angles of elbow. The shoulders are strong, broad and well set to chest. Neck is thick, fairly erect, with a marked curve giving a graceful carriage to the head. The udder is well developed in females.
JAISALMERI CAMEL
Jaisalmeri
- Habitat and Distribution
The breeding tract of Jaisalmeri breed encompasses the Jaisalmer, Barmer and part of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan. The breeding tract extends in east from 69°30’ to 73°04’ longitude and in north from 24°37’ to 28°15’ latitude with very poor vegetation. Sand dunes are the typical features of the tract.
- Features
The Jaisalmeri camels are of active temperament and are quite tall with long and thin legs. They have small head and mouth with narrow muzzle. The head is well carried on a thin neck and the eyes are prominent. The forehead is not dome shaped and is without any depression above eyes (stop). Also, there is no luxuriant growth of hairs on their eyebrows, eyelids and ears. The body colour is predominantly light brown. The Jaisalmeri camels have thin skin and short hairs on body. The udder is mostly round in shape. It is a medium sized breed of camel.
KACHCHHI CAMEL
Kachchhi Male
- Habitat and DistributionThe Kachchhi breed inhabits the ran of Kachchh in Gujarat state. The major breeding tract encompasses the Kachchh and Bansakantha districts of Gujarat and it extends in east from 68°20’ to 74° longitude and in north from 22°51’ to 24°37’ latitude. The land is marshy with abundant salt bushes.
- Features
The camels of this breed are generally brown to dark brown in colour with absence of hair on eyelids and ears. The body hairs are coarse. Head is of medium size without distinct “stop”. Body size is medium. Camels of this breed are heavy and dull in appearance. They are stouter and little shorter. They have strong hindquarters, heavy legs, hard and thick foot pads and are well adapted to the humid climate and marshy land of Kachchh. In some animals the lower lip is droopy due to which the teeth are visible from a distance. The udder is well developed and mostly round in shape.
MEWARI CAMEL
Mewari Male
The Mewari breed of camel has derived its name from the Mewar area of Rajasthan and is well known for milk productin potential.
- Habitat and Distribution
The major breeding tract of the breed encompasses the Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand districts and adjoining Neemuch and Mandsour districts of Madhya Pradesh. The camels of this breed can also be seen in Bhilwara, Banswara, Dundarpur districts and Hadoti region of Rajasthan, which can be considered as a minor breeding tract of the breed. The breeding tract extends in east from 73°02’ to 77°20’ longitude and in north from 22°55’ to 25°46’ latitude with fairly good vegetation and rainfall. Average height from main sea level is about 575 meters. The tract consists of hills of the Aravali in Mewar area.
- Features
Genetic improvement of indigenous camels through conventional and molecular
Mewari camels are stouter and a little shorter than Bikaneri. They have strong hindquarters, heavy legs, hard and thick foot pads. Well adapted to travel and carry loads across hills. The body hairs are coarse, which protects them from the bites of wild honeybees and insects. The body colour varies from light brown to dark brown but some animals are almost white in colour, such variation in body colour is generally not seen in other breeds of camel. The head is heavy, set on a thick neck. Unlike the Bikaneri camel, the Mewari camel has no ‘stop’, but its muzzle is loose. Ears are thick and short, set well apart, tail is long and thick. The milk vein is prominent and the udder is well developed in females.
JALORI CAMEL
Jalori Male
- General description
Local Name/Synonyms : Jalori, Sanchori
Background for such name : Named after the habitat : Jalore Communities responsible for breeding : Dewasi are the traditional camel breeders
Geographical distribution and breeding tract
The Jalori camel derives its name from the place of rearing. The geographical distribution of the breed encompasses chiefly the Jalore and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan. The overall population of Jalori camels in the breeding tract was estimated to be 7906 heads.
Breed Characteristics
Body colour – The predominant colour of Jalori camels is brown. However, it varies from light brown to dark brown.
Head Profile- The head in Jalori camel is medium in size and is well carried on a thin neck. The eyes are prominent. Unlike Bikaneri camel, in Jalori camel, the forehead is not dome shaped and has no “stop” , which is a name given to a depression on the frontal bone at the upper edge meeting the parietal bone. The supraorbital foremen, which is in the form of a deep fissure at the rostro-medial margin of the orbit, is normal in depth as compared to the Bikaneri camel where it is deep. The muzzle is narrow and mostly pointed in camels of Jalore district but rounded in the camels of Sirohi district. Ears are up-right and set well apart. The typical adaptive feature of desert camel, the “Jheepra” is absent in Jalori camel. The lower lip is not droopy as seen in Kachchhi camels.
Body and Stature- It is a medium sized breed of Camel. The Jalori camels are of active temperament. The Neck and legs are thin. The body hairs are coarse in quality and medium in length. The Chest pad is well developed.
Udder Characteristics- The milk vein is small to medium in size. The udder is mostly round in shape. Each udder quarter has a small cone shaped teat with two canals in it. The Jalori Breed is a multipurpose breed of camel and the animals of this breed are being utilized for milk production, tourism, riding and safari.
DOUBLE HUMPED CAMEL
A small population of bactrian camel exists in the Nubra valley of Ladakh (J&K).
Features
- The humps are plump and pliable. During the late winter when pastures are scanty, the humps collapse.
- Skull bone is comparatively shorter and wider than dromedary camel.
- The body of the camel is short and stout.
- The body color varies from light brown to dark brown.
- Long hairs grow on the top of the head, along lower part of the neck, hump and legs.
- The adult body weight varies from 450 to 550 kg. The male animals are heavier than female.
Research Achievements
- Depending upon age, the average annual hair production per camel ranges from 2.5 to 4.0 kg.
- Hair quality attributes suggested very fine quality fibers. Hair is used for preparation of various items viz. shawls, pullovers, sweaters, winter garments, coats and caps.
- The high staple length and quality of wool fiber indicated its usefulness in fiber processing for the village cottage industry.
- Genetic polymorphism between two species of camel (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) has been found by PCR-RAPD technique.
- Comparative study on haematological and mineral profile of dromedary and bactrian camel showed higher concentration of Haemoglobin (Hb), Calcium (Ca), Phosphorus (P), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu).
- The important diseases prevalent are actinobacillosis, pneumonia, eye diseases associated with corneal opacity, hydro-pericardium and ectopic pregnancies.
- Commonly available feed/fodder plants utilized by the camels have been evaluated for various nutritional parameters. The highest CP content was found in the leaves of Chhowk tree followed by Alfa-alfa, Changama and Beecho. However, CF was higher in Alfa-alfa grass followed by Longtol.
- The bactrian camels are seasonal breeders and the breeding season extends from January to March.
- Reproductive behaviour in the males during rutting indicated biting, active secretion form the poll glands and frothing.
- Bactrian camel can carry load up to 1 quintal as baggage and can work for 6-8 hours daily.
Feeding management of camels
Camels are proficient in digesting
Dry Matter, Fiber and Crude Protein as compare to other ruminants and household non-ruminants. Camels are bespoke to digest poor value of forage which increases its retention time in the alimentary canal. The main approach in feeding of camels concerning diet quality is to select green parts of plants with high protein and low cellulose.
Feeding dry roughage
Camels are fed dry roughages and some quantity of concentrates. Different dry roughages are used in world for camel feeding like in India roughages consist of BHOOSA (straw) and tree leaves. Bhoosa of two leguminous crops as moth and gram or moth and mung is mixed, it is called MISSA BHOOSA. Bhoosa is mixed with dried leaves of trees such as KHEJRI or JHARBERI, is very appetizing and nutritive ration for camels.
Concentrate feeding
Concentrate is very essential to camel as it is a main energy source for them. It is essential for milk production, meat production and for drought purpose. In India concentrate allowance usually consists of ½ kg to 1kg Moth flour or Bajra or Barley flour and 350 to 400 gm Gur (Molasses).In winter, mustard or sesame oil is given for 18 to 20 days to camels that are in poor body condition. Cereal or leguminous grains should be trodden and preferably flooded in water for about 7 to 9 hours before feeding. We can use oil cakes with quantity of 1/2 to 1 kg daily in combination with small quantities of other concentrates and Gur (molasses). Cotton seed use 1/2 to 1 kg daily trodden and flooded in water along with approximately 500 gm crushed Moth, Guar or Grams. In India, during long journeys, camels are fed about 1-1.5 kg molasses along with 25-30 gm Pink Alum . Molasses is a source of energy and Alum is given to neutralize the laxative effect of molasses .
Salt offering to camel
Camels totally on browsing do not need extra provision of salt . Working camels are fed on Bhoosa or straw and concentrates, they require about 60 to 100 g salt/head daily which is mixed with flour or trodden grains.
Feeding for milk producers
Camels producing milk require large amount of water (milk consist of 90% water) and the main nutrient required is protein . Brassica crops, Berseem and Pods of numerous varieties of Beans are said to capitulate good outcome when offered to milk producing camels. High protein type of feed given at about 250-300 gm per liter of milk produced proves appropriate for milk production.
Feeding for working camels
Large amounts of energy are obligatory in camels to execute work. Feeds high in carbohydrates or energy are required for transport and draught camels. Cereals are best source of energy, their by-products and molasses are also providing energy. More luxurious high protein feeds such as oil cakes should be avoided as they are better fed to other livestock for financial reasons .
Feeding for racing camels
Racing camels require a extra concentrated diet. To get a better power to weight ratio, immense feeds are restricted in them. Fats could make a useful payment to the racing camel diet. The camel has been reported to abide dietary fat to the level of 3-3.5% of dry matter without compromising rumen function. Racing camels should be effusive watered daily except straight away prior to fast work and racing (3 days) . Standard ration combination followed in India
Grams crushed 1.35kg
Barely 1.35kg
Misa bhoosa 8-9kg
Salt 0.15kg
Suggestion for feeding of camels
Do not abruptly feed the camel with grains if he is not inured to them because it can cause acidity or bloat problems in them. Do not starve the camel for long; this causes go-slow of cud chewing and then pain of the stomach. Do not offer grain or BHOOSA after a long fatiguing journey, especially if performed without feed and water. This may cause colic or impaction in them. A camel must not be taken for long fast riding after intense feeding, for he may develop colic or Tympany. Do not feed the camel total grains and seeds, especially barley, oats, gram, cotton etc. These should be fed after crushing and wet through in water for at least 7-9 hours.
Water requirements of camel
Water intake depends upon kind of grazing and environmental temperatures. Approximately 18- 20 liters per day may be met by herbaceous plant intake. Shrubs or Bushes contain 75 to 80% water almost in all seasons. In India water is taken from any source like at old research stations it is taken from wells then put in water troughs for drinking of camels. Following schedule is followed in India to offer water to camels. Water is offered to Camels once per week in summer. In spring and autumn it is offered every 7 to 10 days. In winter it is offered every 3 to 4 weeks. Camel may consume only 10% of the water consumed by the bovine in the same environment because camel excrete 20% less urine than bovines the other reason is there is very low fecal water loss in camels than bovines . Water requirement increases with bustle of camel. Yarded camels need less water than grazing camels that may freely travel 35 to 70 km per day during browsing. Racing camels are almost regularly shorn of water 3 days earlier to competition in an attempt to improve power to weight ratio. Consideration of all the variables indicates that daily water stipend for camels should be 25 to 50 liters.
Reproductive aspects of camel
Camels are deliberate breeders with rather low reproductive rates . Their reproductive mechanism is different than other animals. Their method to breed is different than other animals. During breeding season they show different behavioral signs which are unusual tan other animals like rutting in them during breeding season.
Puberty: in Camel occur at 3.5 to 4 years in both sexes, Sperm production is at low level at this
stage. Max out sperm production at 6 to 7 years .
Semen Quality
Semen quality is analyzed through semen color, volume and sperm motility. Semen color is grayish-white, total volume ranges from 3 to 7 ml, Sperm concentration ranges from 255 to 440×106 per ml.
Sperm Motility in untreated semen observed after 15 minutes was in range of 30 to 50% .
Signs of Estrus :Sign of estrus consist of Restlessness, frequent Bleat and actively try to get close to the dominant male. The tail is raised and waved about and micturation. Foul smelling containing secretions from the vulva may be present. The vulva is relaxed and slightly engorged. Female try to find the male camel, may even sit in front of him. The strength of heat varies both individually and seasonally.
Rut :Rut is an episodic sexual thrill of male camel. In India, December to March (Breeding Season) of camel. In this duration Androgen level increases in blood . During the rutting period, the camel becomes hostile to other camels, to its trainer and can be extremely perilous. A rutting male grinds his teeth, lashes his tail, waves his head and neck, froths at the mouth and micturate, splashing urine all around. During rutting the frequency of fights among males in mixed herds is very high. After having reputable dominance, only the foremost bull, which is usually the oldest and heaviest, will display the characteristic behavior, while other males only illustrate a passive version or lose libido and go out of rut. The dominant bull radically loses condition due to loss of hunger and reduction in feed intake; at times diarrhea may escort. His abdomen is noticeably tucked up and hump gradually decreases in size. A characteristic aspect of the rut is the outcropping of the soft palate or ‘DULA’, (Arabian name) present in both sexes, but more developed in male . The palate is filled with air from the lungs, projects from side of mouth (mostly right side), pink to red color, balloon like structure. Gurgling sounds are attractive to the female. Rut is a period of strong sexual activity during a limited time most probably controlled by the level of testosterone.
Common Diseases of camel
Sura or Trypnosomiasis
This disease is caused by trypnosoma evansi. We can prevent this disease by Controlling vector which are flies named as tobanus and stomoxis . For its Treatment, Any antiprotozoal drug can be used but mostly Suramine is used with the dose rate of 4mg/kg BW.
Wry Neck
Twisting of the neck occur in this disease it is caused by Capparis tomentosa and maybe also by other plant poisoning it can also result from fighting or other physical trauma. For its Prevention adequate minerals should be given with diet for proper nerve function. For its Treatment give multivitamin injection especially vitamin B complex to stimulate nerve regeneration . For this purpose nurobion or neurocolene is used as perfect nerve tonic which boost up nerve cell syntheses.
Inflammation of the Soft Palate
The camel is capable of protruding its soft palate beyond the lips. This balloon-like structure may sometimes be traumatized by sharp objects or during fighting, and infections may result. Clinical sign for this disease are the throat of affected animals becomes swollen. Camel may be unable to swallow. For its treatment Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are commonly used.
Camel Milk Products:
Functional food concept and other camel products:
Camel milk is also gaining some commercial status in Gujarat and parts of
Rajasthan where it is sold at the competitive price. Camels could be exploited for
augmenting the country’s milk production capacity as a supplementary milk resource in
India for the benefit of increasing human population. Since milk production potential of
camels in India have remained untapped and considering its therapeutic utility it can
fetch good price. Milk can have substantial utility in some of hilly belts and can be
source of income. In addition other products like hair, bones, dung and hide in village
cottage industry can be source of supplementary income.
Camel milk is unique in terms of having low fat (1.5-3%), low protein (2.5%)
have longer shelf life, higher ratio of ß-casein to k-casein, absence of Lysozyme C and
ß-lactoglobulin and presence of Whey Acidic Protein and Peptidoglycan Recognition
Protein. There are reports on its antibacterial and other therapeutic properties but
milestones in this regard are yet to be achieved and research efforts are needed to study
the neutraceutical and adjuvant role of camel milk in view of the nutrient compositional
uniqueness.
Fresh and fermented camel milk is an important nutritional and functional source
and has been reported to provide particular health benefits to the consumer depending on
the bioactive substances in milk. More extensive research is needed in laboratory
animals to confirm these proposed health benefits including its role as an antimicrobial
agent or as a protein source for children allergic to bovine milk. Primary structures of
peptides formed from camel lactoferrin need be studied and activity of such peptides on
inhibition of bacterial growth be tested to get better understanding of the action of
lactoferrin in camel milk.Camel meat also can have great future as it can be produced economically in the
dry land but it is not popular in India. However to know the meat adulteration sometime
reported in the country there is need to set molecular identification standards for the
camel meat. Acollaborative study in this regard can be planned with NRC on Meat.
Long bones of camel are in demand as economic replacement of ivory and many
small bone items/ toys are being prepared in village cottage industry. The hair is being
utilized for making carpets, durries, bags, blankets, wall hanging etc., by the farmers and
also the small-scale industries. Nicely finished camel hair products are quite popular
with tourists. Blends of camel hair with silk waste, polyester waste and wool have been
experimentally used for making fabrics in collaboration of with the Central Sheep and
Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar. The results are very promising and can be
additional source of income of camel keepers.
DR. DEVENDRA SINGH MERATIA, JAISALMER
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/category/camel/
REFERENCE-ON REQUEST
