THE CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS): A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

Table of Content

ILCA MONOGRAPH 5

THE CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS): A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW

BY E. MUKASA-MUGERWA

PUBLISHED BY
INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK CENTRE FOR AFRICA 1981
P.O. BOX 5689, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

ILCA Publications

The International Livestock Center for Africa (ILCA) is an autonomous research and information centre, whose activities and publications are funded by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). The CGIAR members which have funded ILCA to date are the International Development Research Centre, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank and the governments of Australia, Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Iran, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Responsibility for ILCA publications, however, rests solely with the centre and such other parties as may be cited as joint authors.

ILCA Monographs and Systems Studies are currently ILCA's two series of scientific publications. Both present information concened with livestock production systems of tropical Africa, though Systems Studies as a whole, while Monographs deal with aspects of systems and range widely in subject matter.

Abstract

Available literature on the dromedary in Africa and Asia is reviewed in order to assess the current performance and productive potential of this species. The origins, distribution and classification of camel breeds are briefly discussed. The reproductive anatomy is described, and is followed by an account of breeding behaviour and performance, with special attention to fertility. The digestive anatomy of the dromedary and its feed and water requirements are then analysed, with a discussion of water metabolism, before the animal's major and minor diseases are identified. The camel's ability to produce milk and meat is assessed in detail, together with its suitability for transport and other purposes, such as ploughing, milling and the production of hides and skins. Management and socio-economic factors are also briefly discussed. Finally, the information presented is summarized, some proposals for future research are put forward, and a bibliography is given.

Key words

/Bibliography/ /Africa/ /Asia/ /camel/ /animal population/ /breed/ /animal performance/ /reproduction/ /fertility/ /feed intake/ /water intake /animal disease/ /milk yield/ /meat yield/ /work animal/ /livestock management/ /research/ /recommendation/.

Resume

La litérature disponible sur le dromadaire en Afrique et en Asie est examinée afin d'évaluer les performances et le potentiel de production actuels de cette espèce. Les origines, la distribution et la classification des races camelines sont brièvement discutées. L'anatomie reproductive est décrite, suivi d'un exposé sur le comportement et les performances de reproduction avec référence spéciale à la fertilité. L'anatomie digestive du dromadaire ainsi que ses besoins alimentaires et en eau sont alors analysés, avec discussion sur le métabolisme hydrique, avant d'identifier les maladies principales et secondaires de l’animal. La capacité de production laitière et bouchère du chameau est évaluée en détail, ainsi que son aptitude pour le transport et autres fins tels que le labour, le moulage et la production de cuirs et de peaux. Les facteurs socio-économiques relatifs à la gestion sont aussi brievenient discutés. Finalement, l'information présentée est résumée et quelques propositions pour la recherche ultérieure sont formulées, accompagnées d'une liste bibliographique.

Mots-cles

/Bibliographie/ /Afrique/ /Asie/ /chameau/ /population animale/ /race/ /performance animale/ /reproduction/ /fertilité/ /consommation animale/ /consommation d'eau/ /maladie animale/ /rendement laitier/ /rendement boucher/ /animal de trait/ /exploitation du bétail/ /recherche/ /recommandation/.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Origins and distribution

1.1 Evolution of the dromedary
1.2 The dromedary in Africa

1.2.1 Distribution
1.2.2 Classification

2. Reproductive performance

2.1 Anatomy of the reproductive system

2.1.1 The Male Reproductive System
2.1.2 The Female Reproductive System

2.2 Breeding

2. 2. 1 Puberty and sexual maturity
2.2.2 Rutting
2. 2. 3 Castration
2. 2. 4 Oestrus
2. 2. 5 Mating

2.3 Gestation
2.4 Parturition
2.5 Perinatal growth and mortality

2.5.1 Birth Weight and Early Growth
2.5.2 Losses

2.6 Fertility

2.6.1 Fertility Rates
2.6.2 Causes of Low Fertility

3. Nutritional characteristics

3.1 Anatomy of the digestive system
3.2 Nutritional requirements and feeding

3.2.1 Feed Resources
3.2.2 Grazing and Supplementation

3.3 Water requirements

3.3.1 Watering Frequency
3.3.2 Drinking Capacity and Sources
3.3.3 Water Conservation and Utilization

4. Camel diseases

4.1 Normal condition
4.2 Major diseases

4.2.1 Protozoal Diseases
4.2.2 Parasitic Diseases
4.2.3 Bacterial Diseases

4.3 Minor diseases

4.3.1 Bacterial Diseases
4.3.2 Viral Diseases
4.3.3 Miscellaneous Diseases

5. Production and utilization

5.1 Milk production

5.1.1 Yields 
5.1.2 Milking and Milk Consumption 
5.1.3 Nutritive Value

5.2 Meat production

5.2.1 Supplies
5.2.2 Dressing Percentage
5.2.3 Meat Quality

5.3 Riding camels

5.3.1 Conformation and Performance
5.3.2 Training and Equipment

5.4 Baggage camels

5.4.1 Conformation and Performance
5.4.2 Training and Equipment

5.5 Draught camels

5.6 Camel hair and hides

6. Management and socio-economic factors

6.1 General
6.2 Social organization and ownership
6.3 Herd management

6.3.1 Migration
6.3.2 Herding

6.4 Trade and other factors

7. Summary and proposals for future research

7.1 Summary
7.2 Proposals for future research
7.3 Conclusions

Bibliography

References
Further reading