Studies on sexual behaviour in female dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Sexual behaviour of female dromedary camel was studied to understand various behavioural expressions and to determine the receptivity pattern in the presence of a male camel. The intensity and expression of various behaviours before and during mating were recorded from 08:00 to 16:00 hours daily for 25 days during breeding season in 10 female camels. Females showed irregular pattern of sexual behaviour without any definite period of receptivity. Majority (70%) of females remained sexually active during most of the study duration with intermittent period of quiescence, while others (30%) remained indifferent to male most of time but suddenly showed receptive behaviour and mated. The intensity of various behaviours was weak on most of the occasions. No behaviour could be related to selection of female for mating, however, approached by the male, coming closer to the male and restlessness were most frequently observed behaviours in selected females on the day of mating. Swelling of vulva, vaginal mucous discharge and frequent micturition could not be observed distinctly. We concluded that signs of sexual behaviour were unreliable in determining the timing of breeding or insemination as camels did not exhibit distinct periods of overt oestrus or sexual receptivity.