Tropentag, October 5 - 7, 2004 in Berlin "Rural Poverty Reduction through Research for Development and Transformation"

Type Differences in Rendille Camels of Northern Kenya with Regard to Drought Tolerance

University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Germany

Abstract

The study aimed at describing the Rendille camel breed in Northern Kenya by differentiating scientifically its locally distinguished four performance types, namely Dabakh, Aithimaso, Godan and Coitte (sorted according to their milk performance level from high to low). The local assessment suggests that there are no differences in body dimensions, but in the ability to maintain a good body condition during dry season, hence periods of fodder and water shortage. Thus, focus was on characteristics of body size, body weight and body condition, measuring 461 camels within a 3-month study period. Body weight was estimated based on thoracic girth, height at the withers and rump length. Body condition was determined applying 'butcher's grasps', measuring hump size and assigning a body condition score from 1 (poor) to 8 (excellent), based on visual assessment. Body condition was expected to differ most at the end of the long dry season, hence the time this study was conducted. Analyses of variance and chi-square tests were performed in order to test differences between the types. The assumption of no significant differences between types in terms of body dimensions could be confirmed (P>0.05) for three types. The Coitte type differed in 2 linear body measurements (height at the withers, breast width) from the rest. Hump circumference, as one measure of condition, yielded significant differences (P<0.05) between the two extreme types, Dabakh and Coitte. Body condition scoring revealed further differences between types (P<0.05), supporting the criterion 'drought tolerance' used by the pastoralists in distinguishing their camel types. Thus, even within one breed the ability to maintain a stable body condition is not uniform, but it differs between the different performance types. Body reserves play a decisive role in reproduction and milk production, and, in case of severe drought, even for survival under harsh conditions. It would be useful to include the trait body condition stability as an indicator for drought tolerance in breed characterisation, as it is an important adaptation trait for livestock breeds kept in resource poor husbandry systems, for which seasonal fodder shortage is an inherent feature.

Keywords: Body condition, drought tolerance, Kenya, rendille camel, type differences

Contact Address: Susanne Grund, University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Production in the Tropics and Subtropics, Garbenstraße 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany, e-mail: meremptahgmx.net