Kharani Breed, a Milk Treasure of Kharan Desert

Categories camel milk, camel population trend, Chaghai Kharan Desert (CKD), Climate change, Culture and Heritage, Desert and Desertification, Policymakers, The Camel Genetic Resource (CGnR), The Camel Intelligence, , , , , , , , 5 Comments on Kharani Breed, a Milk Treasure of Kharan Desert

The world's leading milch camel~The Kharani

Kharani camel is found in the Chaghai-Kharan desert of Balochistan Pakistan. Known with the name of Kharan Desert, it is a mountainous sandy desert situated in the Southwestern region of Balochistan, Pakistan. The region is the cradle of the precious animal genetic resources like Kharani camel and Morak goat.

Morak goat is close to wild ancestors, resistant to diseases and owns a strong power of escape.

Map of Balochistan showing Chagai Kharan Desert

Kharani camel breed is the most efficient (producing more milk per kg dry matter feed intake) and survives sustainable in the challenging environment. There is high variability within the breed for milk production. In the wet days of the year, when there is succulent vegetation, some specimen of the breed produce up to 38 liters of milk per day.http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/zology/PDF-FILES/6-PUJZ-13-2-2802110514-Production%20potential%20of%20camel%20and%20its%20%20prospects%20in%20%20Pakistan.pdf

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Take Home Message

Unfortunately, this breed is under severe threat. The main cause of erosion is the depletion of Thagaz (Halloxylon spp) which is the most important feedstuff for camels in the region. Also, there is illegal export (fertile female) to the neighboring countries, where it is slaughtered and consumed as meat. This way the erosion of this unique animal genetic resources is happening since many years. The policy makers of province should take major steps to conserve this precious animal with the involvement of the camels’ keepers. The best way of support is to conserve the Thagaz forest.

Watching is Believing

When you will watch this video, you will understand the importance of the Kharani breed, you will know the landscape/habitat and the threats to this precious camel. https://youtu.be/r4h1E7WHKds

Published by Dr Raziq

I’m PhD in Animal Agriculture, currently working as a Technical Manager at Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production, Camel dairying, Alain, UAE. I had performed as a Professor and Dean, at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences Pakistan (LUAWMS). I work on and write for the subjects of ‘turning camel from a beast of burden to a sustainable farm animal’, agricultural research policies, extensive livestock production systems, food security under climate change context, and sustainable use of traditional genetic resources for food and agriculture. Iim advocating camel under the theme of CAMEL4LIFE and believe in camel potential. I’m the founder and head of the Society of Animal, Veterinary and Animal Scientists (SAVES), and Founder of the Camel Association of Pakistan. I also work as a freelance scientist working (currently member of steering committee) for Desert Net International (DNI). I’m an ethnoecologist, ethnobotanist, Ethnovet and ethomedicie researcher and reviewer. I explore deserts and grazing lands for knowledge and understanding.

5 thoughts on “Kharani Breed, a Milk Treasure of Kharan Desert”

  2. sir you are absolutely right kharani breed is best mbilch camel breed and it this breed is near about be counted as endanger specie of camel and it needs to be preserved and you can do a lot because you can speak at international forms for this

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Pingback: ILLEGAL CAMEL EXPORT ERODING CAMELS’ GENETIC RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN | Camel, food security and climate change

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