In my childhood, seeing the fascinating camel herds of Kochis ttp://bidoun.org/articles/land-of-the-seven-scarves. The Kuchi, Afghanistan’s nomads made strong portraiture on my mind, thinking the tremendous animal was unique among the others. Decades later when I was a well-grown animal science professional, severe arthritis caught me and stuffed my joints void to move. As per the elder’s advice, I migrated and lived with the camel pastoralists. http://camel4all.blogspot.ae/2011/02/suleiman-mountainous-region-of-pakistan.html. Role of Camel in Suleiman Mountainous Region of Pakistan, enjoyed their company, learned traditional knowledge, and took camel milk regularly. Soon, I started getting well and well, eventually climbing mountains. The joy of good health gave me new and energetic life, leading to my understanding of the philosophy of camel milk. I concluded that camel milk is not only a white fluid but a natural pharmacy and the people in pain must cognizant of it.
Understanding the potential of the camel as a milch animal, I conducted a comprehensive scientific study (my PhD. research program) to chalk out the lactation curve of mobile camel herds in the above said mountainous region. The study revealed that camel is a potential dairy animal (average milk 10.22 liter/day) with a lactation yield of >3,000 liters. This production was harvested from the camels depending on the natural grazing with good access to water. This yield was gained from a unique eco-friendly, low inputs, free of drugs & antibiotics production system, providing safe milk.
I shared and discussed preliminary results with the scientists at the occasion of the first ISOCARD conference in Alain 2006. http://www.isocard.net/ The International Society of Camelid Research and Development. My fellow scientists praised and supported my philosophy and we worked out further research programs on the quality of camel milk, the results were later on published in the Journal of Camelid Science. Journal of Cmaleid Science http://www.isocard.net/en/journal. Interestingly, I enjoyed the support of colleagues and became an EC member of the camelids’ society.
Henceforth, I realized that not only the milk is unique, but camel is also one in all animals, having the attributes of all the animals in one creature Camel! A One in All Creatures https://camel4milk.wordpress.com/2016/12/25/camel-a-one-in-all-creatures-2/. This unique creature is equally good for other chores in the desert and other harsh and hostile conditions. It sustains life and livelihood and is well said by the camel herders as the animal for life~Camels4life. Al Ain doctor sees potential in camels beyond their milk http://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/al-ain-doctor-sees-potential-in-camels-beyond-their-milk.
The attributes of the camels are enormous and unimaginable. Unfortunately, the custodians of the camel genetic resources are neglected same as the keepers of the other native genetic resources. We added another feather to the crown of the camel as the ‘animal for life’ with the support of camel world activists from Asia and Africa. I discussed the idea with the camels’ world stakeholders and we pushed the idea of an advocacy group to promote camels at the global level among the policymakers.
I look forwards to having the support of camels world activists and scientists of all levels to promote this unique creature and support life in the far and wide regions of the world.
The author also shares the ideas via Twitter @DrRaziqKakar
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