Tropentag, October 11 - 13, 2005 in Stuttgart-Hohenheim "The Global Food & Product Chain – Dynamics, Innovations, Conflicts, Strategies"

Performance Traits of Different Pakistani Camel Breeds

¹Sindh Agriculture University TandoJam, Department of Anatomy and Histology, Pakistan
²University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Pakistan
³Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Animal Sciences, Germany
⁴Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Livestock Ecology, Germany

Abstract

Pakistan possesses about 1.2 million camels in more than 20 breeds representing approximately 23 % of the whole camel population of Asian countries. Recently annual population growth rates of 1.62 % were observed. In this investigation performance traits of six camel breeds (Marecha, Dhatti, Larri, Kohi, Campbelpuri and Sakrai) from different zones of the country were studied. These traits included some of the morphological characteristics, somatometric measurements as well as features for growth, production, reproduction and draught power. Significant differences could be calculated in the performance of various camel breeds. Results show a shorter neck, girth, height and length (P < 0.00) of the Kohi camels than that of the others; where-as the size of hump was smaller (P < 0.001) in Campbelpuri breed. Male calves of Campbelpuri breed were heavier (P < 0.001) at birth. Marecha breed shows a higher (P < 0.001) lactation yield and longer (P < 0.001) lactation length. However, the age at puberty in the Kohi females was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in Dhatti and Larri breeds, (P < 0.01), Marecha and Campbelpuri and (P < 0.04) Sakrai camels. Marecha females showed a longer gestation period (P < 0.001) than Larri, Kohi, Campbelpuri and Sakrai, and also (P < 0.02) Dhatti. Kohi females produce more calves during their life span (P < 0.001) than Marecha, Dhatti, Larri, Sakrai, and (P < 0.03) Campbelpuri female. A longer dry period (P < 0.001) occurs in Kohi females. Dhatti females show longer calving interval (P < 0.02). Number of mountings per day was calculated for each male from all six breeds. It is higher in Kohi males (P < 0.001) than that of the Marecha, Dhatti, and (P < 0.02) Sakrai. Kohi breed produces relatively more hair (P < 0.001) than all other breeds included in this task. Riding speed of various camels was calculated and Kohi camels were found to be slower (P < 0.001) than Dhatti, (P < 0.01) Marecha and (P < 0.02) Campbelpuri camel63

Keywords: Breed differences, camels, performance traits, Pakistan

Contact Address: Monika Reißmann, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Animal Sciences, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany, e-mail: monika.reissmannrz.hu-berlin.de