Assessing adaptation of camel to a specific ecosystem by the body condition scoring is a new idea. This idea/theme was introduced by the author during Ph.D. work in the Suleiman mountainous region of Balochistan. A number of 60 camels of the same age, sex (all female), and physiological status and body condition score were selected from each breed (Kohi and Pahwal or Gaddai) for this study (total 180). This study was continued for 135 days. The animals were grazing freely in the same grazing area. The major feedstuffs were trees and bushes, i.e. Acacia, Olivia, caragana spp, haloxyllon etc. No extra feed was offered to the camels of the study.
- Body condition scores 1. Weakest animal.
- Body condition scores 2. Weak animal
- Body condition scores 3. Fair animal
- Body condition scores 4. Good animal
- Body condition scores 5. Excellent animal
The BCS was assessed at the last week of the study period. BCS was done by the excellent breeders of both breeds and the author. The majority of the of Kohi breed remained in the good body condition scoring (3-5) while Pahwal lowered to the weaker BCS (2-3) and lost weight gradually with the period of time in that specific period. It was revealed that Kohi camel is highly adapted to the mountainous ecology of Suleiman mountains.
This concept (using BCS to assess the drought tolerance ability of camel) is an initiative and idea of the author which can be polished further and may be used for the selection of highly adapted breeds of rangeland for conservation and further propagation.
An example of the best fit camel from Thar Desert
In 2008, a team of scientists from UAF including me visited many livestock ecosystems of Balochistan and Sindh. In Thar region of Sindh ‘NAGAR PAKAR’ I participated in camels’ festival. I found very unique and beauty breed of camels ‘Deshi or Thari’ which impressed me very much because of health and beauty. They are very good camels for riding, racing and even milk. I used the picture of Deshi camel as featured picture of this article.
Dear raziq! i hope you will be fine. About the body scoring of camel, the body condition of an anilmal is directly proportional to its milk yield. my quistion is, did you find emeciated or weak camal only in female camal or random ginder in hard. just tell me protion of weak animals in pehwal camal. Either its due to some worm infestation, any history of specific disease in a region like surra,or some other problems.
what was your observation about the weak animals
awaitinf for you kind reply.
thank
All factors indicated by you were standardized. The animals were de-wormed and dry animals were selected for this study.
Also, BCS is use for evaluation of female reproductive health. It is not that important for male camels except to use this criteria for the evaluation of the camel resistance to drought conditions.
It is posible to read an article with this information?. is this information publicated?
Dear Cecilia,
Thanks for your interest. The data is not yet published scientifically.
It is not yet published. I shall send the paper which is in process. Thanks for your interest.
Reblogged this on Communities' Animal Genetic Resources and Food Security and commented:
How to categorize camel for breeding and selection?
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Thanks very much for such a great work done. We shouldn’t allow the fake news to misguide the readers.
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Yes sure.
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Thanks for uncovering and reporting the fake news.
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Is BCS depending on the size of the hump of the camel or on the watching the ribs of their chest?
No, not hump only but a blend of Hump, ribcage, rump area, chest, neck and overall health status.