SUSTAINABLE FARMING FOR FOOD AND HEALTH

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.

Kohi camel with BCS 3

1. Body condition scores 1. Weakest animal.
2. Body condition scores 2. Weak animal
3. Body condition scores 3. Fair animal
4. Body condition scores 4. Good animal
5. Body condition scores 5. Excellent animal

The BCS was assessed at the last week…