Growth Potential of Camelus dromedarius Calves Reared under Intensive and Extensive Feeding Management Systems

Abstract

A four-month study was carried out to check the growth potential of Marecha (Camelus dromedarius) calves in intensive management system (IMS) and extensive management system (EMS) in Thal desert, Punjab Pakistan. Twelve male and female calves were divided into two comparable groups of six each containing three males and three females. The first group calves were fed concentrate @ 1 kg/h/d plus crop residues of gram (Cicer arientinum) ad libitum while in second group calves were allowed grazing/ browsing for 10 h daily along with household refusals. Twice watering was provided. Fortnightly weighing of calves was done by digital scale. Data collected on different parameters was subjected to statistical analysis with 2×2 factorial arrangements of treatments under completely randomized design. After 120 days trial period the mean body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of male and female calves was significantly increased (P<0.05) in IMS as 80.8±2.7, 77.8±2.7 kg and 0.67±0.02, 0.65±0.02 kg/d than EMS as 64.7±2.6, 52.3±2.6 kg and 0.54±0.02, 0.44±0.02 kg/d of male and female calves. Intake of crop residues (P<0.05) was found to be 6.9±0.45 and 6.4±0.45 kg/d in male and female calves, respectively in IMS and 3.5±0.23 for male and female calves both in EMS. The total feeding cost per calf for 120 days was higher in IMS than EMS while the cost per kg body weight gain was less and economical in the former as compared to the latter group. In behavioral preference the first in order was kari (Capparis spinosa), dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris) and kikar (Acacia nilotica) among bushes, grasses and trees, respectively for male and female calves in EMS.

Comparative growth response related to hair mineral analysis in dromedary camel calves

“…respectively, under open grazing and stall-fed system, while feed conversion index (quantity of fodder/kg of gain) was found to be 14.42 in stall-fed animals. The values of DWG (g) and feed conversion index (g/ kg average daily intake) of male and female weaned dromedary calves around 1 year of age were found to be 670, 97.1 g; 650, 101.5 g, and 540, 154.3 g; 440, 125.7 g reared under intensive and extensive feeding management systems, respectively (Faraz, 2020b).…”

Camel Production Profile and Role in Food Security

“…Camel milk has particular special preferences, and Pakistani camels in particular possess all of the outstanding dairy abilities that make them fantastic dairy animals . With the day-to-day farming practices of camel, it can deliver for forthcoming food production systems, particularly in semiarid, arid, mountainous, and barren regions (Faraz et al 2017). Normally for Pakistani camels, the milk production is 2920 kg with an average daily yield of 8 kg which is far better than countries like India, Somalia, Tunisia, Algeria, and Ethiopia where it is about 4-6 kg on an average (Faraz et al 2013).…”

“…Normally for Pakistani camels, the milk production is 2920 kg with an average daily yield of 8 kg which is far better than countries like India, Somalia, Tunisia, Algeria, and Ethiopia where it is about 4-6 kg on an average (Faraz et al 2013). Like many unique breeds of cattle, camel calves have wonderful growth (Faraz et al 2017;Faraz et al 2018b). In Pakistan, the ancient use of camels is typically for slaughtering purpose while only a few castrated camels are employed for fattening purposes.…”

Growth Assessment in Camel (Camelus dromedarius): A Meta-Analysis Study

“…The values of daily weight gain (gm) and feed conversion index (gm/kg average daily intake) of male and female weaned dromedary calves around 1-year age were found to be 670, 97.1; 650, 101.5 and 540, 154.3; 440, 125.7 reared under intensive and extensive feeding systems, respectively [40] .…”