Camel Breeds Research Articles

Comparison of milk fat globule membrane and whey proteome between Dromedary and Bactrian camel

Camel milk is rich in nutrients and its impact on human medicine and nutrition cannot be ignored. We conducted an in-depth analysis of milk proteins obtained from two camel breed (Camelus bactrianus, CB and Camelus dromedarius, CD). Label-free proteomic technology was performed to analysis the MFGM and whey proteomes of CB and CD milk. In total, 1133 MFGM proteins and 627 whey proteins were identified from camel milk. Results revealed that 216 MFGM proteins and 109 whey proteins were significantly different between them. In addition, the cellular process, cell and binding were the predominately GO annotations of milk proteins. KEGG analysis shown that most proteins were involved in metabolic pathways. Furthermore, many proteins were found to be involved in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which could be the possible reason for hypoglycemic effect of camel milk. These results could provide a further understanding for unique biological characteristics of camel milk proteins.

Blastocyst formation, embryo transfer and breed comparison in the first reported large scale cloning of camels

Cloning, through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), has the potential for a large expansion of genetically favorable traits in a population in a relatively short term. In the present study we aimed to produce multiple cloned camels from racing, show and dairy exemplars. We compared several parameters including oocyte source, donor cell and breed differences, transfer methods, embryo formation and pregnancy rates and maintenance following SCNT. We successfully achieved 47 pregnancies, 28 births and 19 cloned offspring who are at present healthy and have developed normally. Here we report cloned camels from surgical embryo transfer and correlate blastocyst formation rates with the ability to achieve pregnancies. We found no difference in the parameters affecting production of clones by camel breed, and show clear differences on oocyte source in cloning outcomes. Taken together we demonstrate that large scale cloning of camels is possible and that further improvements can be achieved.

Role of Camel Husbandry in Food Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This paper examines the problem of food security in the Republic of Kazakhstan over the past 10 years. Based on statistical data, an assessment was made of the prevalence of malnutrition among the population of the country, including children under 5 years of age. There has been a trend towards for an improvement in the nutrition of the population for a few indicators; however, further optimization of food security indicators is required to achieve the goals of sustainable development (SDGs) of the FAO WHO Agenda for the period up to 2050 in Kazakhstan and in its individual regions. The paper reflects data on demographic changes over the past 10 years and its self-sufficiency in basic foods for 2019. A high degree of self-sufficiency in meat products (117.6%) is revealed in the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, self-sufficiency in dairy products is at an extremely low level (0.1%). Camel breeding has been successfully developing in the country over the past 10 years. However, the number of camels in the country is still at a low level. Camel milk can be considered as a great source of macronutrients, its daily consumption partially facilitates the problem of Food Security in Kazakhstan.

GENOTYPING OF CAMELS OF ALMATY REGION BY CSN2 DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY GENE

Camel milk is highly valued for its medicinal properties and high nutritional value. Camel milk and its products are easily digestible and therefore natural for the human body. Thus, the study of genetic diversity and selection of camels according to preferred genotypes is an important component of camel breeding in Kazakhstan. The β-casein protein, encoded by the CSN2 gene, makes up the largest part of the casein fraction of camel milk and is considered the main gene for the presence of alleles associated with different levels of expression. The g.2126A> G transition is located the TATA box region of the CSN2 gene promoter, with a presumed effect on the transcription factor binding activity, which determines the intensity of this gene expression. In the studied camel populations bred in the Almaty region, the total number of which is 53 animals, the frequency of the G allele was 0.36, while the frequency of the A allele was 0.64. Also, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was equal to 0,006. The level of polymorphism showed a high result in populations 1, 2 and 4, amounting to 100%, while in the third population this indicator was 66.67%. For the studied populations, such statistical indicators were identified as the genotypes occurrence frequency, the observed and effective number of alleles, Nei's gene diversity etc., which give the population genetic characteristics of populations.

Use of multivariate adaptive regression splines for prediction of body weight from body measurements in Marecha (Camelus dromedaries) camels in Pakistan.

The aim of the present work was to predict live body weight by means of some body measurements, i.e., SH, CG, and BG in indigenous Marecha camel breed. For this purpose, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithm was used at proportions of various training and test sets, i.e., 65:35, 70:30, and 80:20 in V-tenfold cross-validation. In prediction of live body weight of the Marecha camels (160 female and 145 male animals) in the MARS predictive models, pairs of sex-SH (model 1), sex-CG (model 2), and sex-BG (model 3) as potential predictors. The best MARS model in LW prediction was obtained using sex and SH independent variables for 80:20 training and test set. Sex was determined to be an important source of variation in SH, CG, and BG as a result of sexual dimorphism in camels (P < 0.01). MARS results indicated that SH could be used as an indirect selection criterion to obtain elite camel herds on LW of Marecha camels. If genetically confirmed, the Marecha camels whose SH is taller than 165.1cm could be selected for providing genetic progress in LW. In conclusion, use of MARS algorithm may be worthy of consideration for better identification of camel breed standards and selection of superior Marecha camels for meat productivity in Pakistan.

Effect of Different Watering Regimes in Summer Season on Water Intake, Feed Intake, and Milk Production of Marecha She-camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Simple SummaryCamel livestock is a significant sector of agriculture in Pakistan. Punjab Marecha is the camel breed more diffuse for their production characteristics. In fact, this camel breed is well adapted to the desert ecosystem, tolerating elevated temperatures and dehydration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water deprivation on milk production performance in Marecha camels during the summer. Twelve she-camels in the early lactation stage were included. After seven days, camels were divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1) having access to water once a day, Group 2 (G2) having access once every 4 days, and Group 3 (G3) having access once every 6 days. Milk production and daily dry matter were decreased in camels deprived of water for 6 days. The results of the current study suggest that the camel is a productive animal even when subjected to water deprivation; however, its feed intake and milk production are decreased.Twelve lactating healthy Marecha she-camels in the early lactation stage during the summer at Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh-Mahni (Pakistan) were included. All animals were fed with Medicago sativa and Cicer arientinum ad libitum and divided into three groups in relation to the access to water, after a period of seven days of adaptation to experimental conditions. Group 1 (G1) was considered as control having access to water once every day; Group 2 (G2) had access once every 4 days, while Group 3 (G3) had access once every 6 days. The duration of the study was 60 days with an adaptation period to experimental conditions of 7 days before the onset of the study. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated on a dry matter basis. On average the ambient temperature and relative humidity during the trial were 39–41 °C and 55–63%, respectively. The DMI, water intake, milk production, and body weight changes were affected (p < 0.001) during various watering regimes. The mean values of water intake were found to be 82.94 ± 1.34 L higher in G3 than G1 and G2.

English

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are one of the most important livestock species mainly used for milk and meat production in semi-arid and hot-desert expanses of the Arabian-Peninsula, Africa, and Southwest Asia. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure within and between eight dromedary camel breeds (n = 210) inhabiting Balochistan province, Pakistan, by mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b). Sequences (1140 bp) analysis showed a total of 18 variable sites resulting in 16 haplotypes. The average haplotype and nucleotide diversities were Hd = 0.484 ± 0.051 and π = 0.00272 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed different clusters for camelids. The neutrality tests did not support the population demographic expansion for these camel breeds. Based on these results, we suggest that an imperative genetic management and breeding strategies are required for the effective conservation of this species. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Genomic prediction for growth using a low-density SNP panel in dromedary camels

For thousands of years, camels have produced meat, milk, and fiber in harsh desert conditions. For a sustainable development to provide protein resources from desert areas, it is necessary to pay attention to genetic improvement in camel breeding. By using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) method we produced over 14,500 genome wide markers to conduct a genome- wide association study (GWAS) for investigating the birth weight, daily gain, and body weight of 96 dromedaries in the Iranian central desert. A total of 99 SNPs were associated with birth weight, daily gain, and body weight (p-value < 0.002). Genomic breeding values (GEBVs) were estimated with the BGLR package using (i) all 14,522 SNPs and (ii) the 99 SNPs by GWAS. Twenty-eight SNPs were associated with birth weight, daily gain, and body weight (p-value < 0.001). Annotation of the genomic region (s) within ± 100 kb of the associated SNPs facilitated prediction of 36 candidate genes. The accuracy of GEBVs was more than 0.65 based on all 14,522 SNPs, but the regression coefficients for birth weight, daily gain, and body weight were 0.39, 0.20, and 0.23, respectively. Because of low sample size, the GEBVs were predicted using the associated SNPs from GWAS. The accuracy of GEBVs based on the 99 associated SNPs was 0.62, 0.82, and 0.57 for birth weight, daily gain, and body weight. This report is the first GWAS using GBS on dromedary camels and identifies markers associated with growth traits that could help to plan breeding program to genetic improvement. Further researches using larger sample size and collaboration of the camel farmers and more profound understanding will permit verification of the associated SNPs identified in this project. The preliminary results of study show that genomic selection could be the appropriate way to genetic improvement of body weight in dromedary camels, which is challenging due to a long generation interval, seasonal reproduction, and lack of records and pedigrees.

A Survey of Bluetongue Infection and Associated Risk Factors among the One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedaries) in Gadarif State, Eastern Sudan.

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious, noncontagious, vector-borne viral disease that affects wild and domestic ruminants transmitted by Culicoides spp. A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period 2016-2017 in Gadarif state. A total of 276 sera samples were collected from camels in six localities of Gadarif state, eastern Sudan, to investigate bluetongue virus (BTV) seroprevalence and associated risk factors of BTV infection including age, sex, breed, locality, and ecology of the region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for estimation of BTV seroprevalence rate. The overall BTV seroprevalence rate was 96.7% in the study area ranging from 93.5% to 100% in six screened localities with no significant differences. The findings revealed similar BTV seroprevalence rates in both males and females, but high rates were found in age group of less than one year and two to three years with estimated 100%. However, the lowest seroprevalence was found in the age group of five to four years with estimated BTV to be 92.3%. BTV seropositivity was not found to be statistically associated with examined different camel breeds which revealed 93%, 94.4%, 97.6%, and 97.8% seroprevalence in Bushari, Rashide, Arabi, and Anafi, breeds, respectively. Epidemiology of BTV assessment according to the ecology of the area showed high BTV seroprevalence in desert and savanna with estimated 100% and lower BTV seroprevalence in arid and rich savanna with estimated 94.8% and 95.7%, respectively. There was no significant association between BTV ELISA positivity and sex, breed, and ecology of the area.

Use of MARS algorithm for predicting mature weight of different camel (Camelus dromedarius) breeds reared in Pakistan and morphological characterization via cluster analysis.

Mature weight is a significant trait that can be influenced by age, sex, breed, production system, and climate conditions in camels. In camel breeding, it is essential to describe breed standards of the studied camel breeds as part of morphological characterization and to determine morphological traits positively influencing mature weight within the scope of indirect selection criteria. This study was to find the best one among candidate models in prediction of mature weight from several morphological traits measured for eight camel breeds (Bravhi, Kachi, Kharani, Kohi, Lassi, Makrani, Pishin, and Rodbari) raised under Pakistan conditions. The morphological measurements taken from the camels in the study were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), mature weight (MW), age of ridding (ARD), face length (FL), face width (FW), head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), neck length (NL), neck width (NW), hump length (HL), hump width (HuW), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), body length (BL), fore leg length (FLL), and hind leg length (HLL), respectively. In the prediction of mature body weight as a response variable, the optimal MARS predictive model with 15 terms selected by train function of the caret package produced very high predictive performance without encountering overfitting problem. Goodness of fit criteria were estimated to measure predictive quality of the MARS model using ehaGoF package available in R environment. Morphological characterization of the camel breeds was performed with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on the basis of Euclidean distance-Single linkage. At the first step of hierarchical cluster analysis, the similarity level of Bravhi and Kachi camel breeds was the highest with 85.3569 (%). At the second step, Makrani joined to new cluster of Bravhi and Kachi camels found at the first step, and the similarity level of the new cluster comprising Bravhi, Kachi, and Makrani breeds was found as 84.5562 (%). MW was significantly correlated with BW (0.677), WW (0.536), HL (0.524), HuW (0.529), and ARD (0.375) at P < 0.01, and there was the highest correlation of 0.994 between HHL and FLL (P < 0.01). As a result, it could be suggested that results of MARS modeling may help camel breeders to reproduce the elite camel populations and to describe characteristics associated positively with MW within the scope of indirect selection criteria.

Molecular detection and identification of Babesia bovis and Trypanosoma spp. in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) breeds in Egypt.

Background and Aim:Camels are a unique source of milk and meat, which helps recover from several diseases that affect humans worldwide. In Egypt, one of the great obstacles for this industry is tick-borne diseases. This study aimed to characterize blood parasite infections, such as Babesia (B.) bovis and Trypanosoma (T.) spp. in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) (n=142) breeds in Halayeb and Shalateen, Egypt, through phylogenetic analysis.Materials and Methods:The prevalence of B. bovis and Trypanosoma spp. was identified in camels using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the Rhoptry-Associated Protein-1 and internal transcribed spacer 1 genes, respectively. A nested PCR technique was conducted to detect B. bovis. At the same time, KIN multispecies PCR assay was employed to diagnose and classify trypanosome DNA in camels.Results:B. bovis was detected in 4/142 camels with an infection rate of 2.81%. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strain of B. bovis isolated from this population was closely related to strains isolated from Argentine, the United States, and Brazil. Moreover, Trypanosoma evansi was detected in 8/142 camels with an infection rate of 5.63%. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this isolated strain T. evansi was closely related to Trypanosoma theileri detected from cattle in Brazil.Conclusion:The obtained data indicated the existence of B. bovis and T. evansi in camels from two provinces of Egypt. The obtained findings have economic significance and reflect the importance of implementing effective prevention and control methods across Egypt to reduce the incidence of B. bovis and T. evansi in camels.

РАЦИОНАЛЬНЫЙ СПОСОБ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ЕСТЕСТВЕННЫХ ПАСТБИЩ В ВЕРБЛЮДОВОДСТВЕ

The aim of the research is to develop a rational way of using natural pasture areas in productive camel breeding. The conducted studies showed that when grazing Arvana camels on each experimental field of pastures for one day (group I), the grazing capacity of these types of pastures was high and amounted to an average of 4.75 and 4.95 c/ha dry fodder mass during the spring-summer grazing season with the output of the eaten fodder reserve of 2.07 c/ha and 2.52 c/ha respectively. Similar indicators of grazing capacity of pastures when using each field of pastures in a row for 3 days (group II) and traditional grazing without dividing the territory into conditional experimental fields (control group) were significantly low and amounted to 3.80 (1.70) c/ha and 3.90 (2.05) c/ha; 2.60 (1.15) c/ha and 2.85 (1.54) c/ha of dry fodder mass according to the types of pastures respectively. The mode of pasture utilization with different loads had a noticeable impact on the feeding value of the grass stand of the main types of desert pastures. So, compared with the feeding value of pasture herbs, when using one day of each conventional pen (0.67 and 0.77 fodder units, 68.9 and 75.0 g of digestible protein) female camels for three days in a row on each experimental field (0.38 and 0.43 fodder units, 59.1 and 66.6 g of digestible protein) and traditional unsystematic utilization (0.31 and 0.35 fodder units, 48 and 53 g of digestible protein) significantly low, which ultimately affected the total grazing capacity and, consequently, the forage capacity of the main types of desert pastures. Generally, with a rational mode of use (with a conventional pen grazing method), the grazing capacity of shrubby-ephemeral sandy and half-shrubby-ephemeral pastures on loamy sierozem soils is 1.90 and 2.90 centners respectively of conventional fodder protein units per hectare, which is significantly higher compared to the control control (81.58% and 80.35%) and the II experimental group (60.0% and 59.65%). Milking camels of all experimental groups on seasonal saltwort pastures eat almost the same amount of pasture forage (22.80-23.95). In autumn (September-October), the average daily milk yield of female camels of the I, II and III experimental groups averaged 9.32 kg, 10.0 kg and 11.50 kg, respectively, this indicates a non-positive effect of normalized feeding of milking camels on their milking capacity in conditions of grazing maintenance.

Mastitis u deva u južnom Alžiru

In Algeria, camel breeding participates in the national milk production. However, this breeding faces significant health problems, including mammary pathologies. This disease is a major public health threat, due to the existence of human pathogens in milk. Several species are associated with this mastitis. Unlike cow’s milk, goat and camel milk are most often consumed in the fresh raw state, thus escaping any official control. The present study aimed to determine the nature and frequency of mastitis, and the nature and frequency of the responsible bacteria in each type of mastitis in southern Algeria. A total of 62 camels were subjected to clinical examination and screening for subclinical mastitis and the presence of Brucella using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and ring test, respectively. CMT positive samples were then further subjected to bacteriological analysis. Clinical and subclinical mastitis were present with frequencies of 4.44% and 95.55%, respectively. Bacteriological analysis isolated a total of 73 samples of 45 seeds. Staphylococci were most commonly isolated, with a frequency of 63.01%. Among these, Staphylococcus aureus were at the top of the list, with 35.61%, while Staphylococcus SCN (coagulase negative staphylococci) represented only 27.39%. Streptococci were the second most isolated group, with 28.77%. Gram-positive bacilli were in third place, accounting for 6.85% of all isolates. Gram- negative bacilli (enterobacteria) were isolated with a frequency of 1.36%. Brucella was present with a frequency of 4.44%. Finally, an extended study on a larger sample of camels is required in the future.

Morphological and histochemical changes in the dromedary camel epididymis in relation to reproductive activity.

Environmental conditions such as temperature, light and food availability are known to influence the physiological status of animals. The male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is considered as a seasonal breeder with maximal sexual activity during certain period of the year followed by a decrease in activity during the remaining period. On the other hand, the male camel is also shown as an atypical seasonal breeder because this does not undergo sexual quiescence with complete cessation of spermatogenesis. This animal, however, shows remarkable physiological and behavioral changes during its maximal sexual activity. The annual breeding (rutting) period also influences the epididymis. In this review, an attempt has been made to present the available literature pertaining to gross anatomical, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular changes in camel epididymis during breeding and nonbreeding periods, and the changes are believed to be correlated with male sexual behavior and libido. This review may also exhibit the dromedary camel breeding period, which is still unresolved, and thus may prove helpful in determining the exact time of mating, which is important for the success of assisted reproductive outcomes. Further, the review may contribute to a better understanding of the epididymal physiology in camel and may also prove useful in improving reproductive efficiency and population of this animal.

Impact of various watering regimes on physiological and hematological parameters in intensively kept Marecha (Camelus dromedarius) she-camels in summer season.

Background:Camel is vital to daily life as a source of food and means of transportation, and just as importantly, its milk and urine have been used as medicine for diverse ailments since ancient times for people living in the desert region.Aim:The current study was planned to investigate the effect of different watering regimes on physiological and hematological parameters of lactating Marecha camels during the summer season. Methods:For this purpose, 12 lactating she-camels of almost similar age (8–13 years) and parity (2–5) were selected in a completely randomized design with four animals per treatment at the Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh Mahni District Bhakkar. The trial was completed in 60 days, while 7 days were given as an acclimatization period for adaptation. The treatments were as follows: Group-1 (G-1) considered as the control had access to water once in a day; Group-2 (G-2) had access to water once in 4 days, and Group-3 (G-3) had access to water once in 6 days. Animals were housed individually for feeding and watering in an intensive management system. The same feed consisting of green fodder (Lucerne) and gram straw (Cicer arientinum) was offered to all animals. The average ambient temperature and relative humidity were 39°C–41°C and 55%–63%, respectively. Result:The mean values (p < 0.001) of water intake were found to be 82.94 ± 1.34 l in G-3, which was higher than G-1 and G-2. Blood analysis showed that packed cell volume, white blood cells, and hemoglobin were affected significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion:No serious changes in complete blood count and physiological parameters were reported in this study. So, this shows that the camel is unique in its physiological adaptation in hot and hostile environments.

Sequence Diversity of Interferon Beta-1 Gene in Dromedary Camel Breeds of Pakistan

Sequence Diversity of Interferon Beta-1 Gene in Dromedary Camel Breeds of Pakistan

Microsatellite markerbased genetic diversity in Mareecha and Barela breeds of dromedary camel from Pakistan

The genetic diversity of Pakistani dromedary camels is poorly documented. The present study evaluated the genetic variations of two well-known Pakistani camel breeds, Mareecha and Barela, that are well-adapted to the Cholistan desert climate. Camel can serve as a beneficial participant in the food supply chain by providing milk, meat and other food products for the livelihood of pastoral peoples. To explore a new world of resources, greater attention to needed to create standard procedures to genetically characterize, classify and identify camel breeds in the country. For this purpose, 66 unrelated animals of the Mareecha (n=35) and Barela (n=31) breeds were genotyped using a set of 12 labelled microsatellite loci. DNA fragment sizes were determined in an ABI 3130 Genetic Analyzer. All microsatellite markers were successfully amplified and exhibited a polymorphic nature, with an average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.72 and 0.70 in Mareecha and Barela, respectively. A total of 107 alleles with an average of 8.91 alleles per locus were identified by these markers in both breeds. CMS15 was highly polymorphic with 13 alleles, while VOLP-032 was the lowest with two loci. The Fit and Fis values were low but high population differentiation (17%) was observed in both breeds, due to the migrations of pastoral people to different remote areas during climate fluctuations.

Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius): A Possible Threat for Humans and Livestock in North Africa and the Near and Middle East?

The “One Health” concept recognizes that human health is connected to animal health and to the ecosystems. Coxiella burnetii–induced human Q fever is one of the most widespread neglected zoonosis. The main animal reservoirs responsible for C. burnetii transmission to humans are domesticated ruminants, primarily goats, sheep, and cattle. Although studies are still too sparse to draw definitive conclusions, the most recent C. burnetii serosurvey studies conducted in herds and farms in Africa, North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Asia highlighted that seroprevalence was strikingly higher in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) than in other ruminants. The C. burnetii seroprevalence in camel herds can reach more than 60% in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, and 70 to 80% in Algeria and Chad, respectively. The highest seroprevalence was in female camels with a previous history of abortion. Moreover, C. burnetii infection was reported in ticks of the Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum species collected on camels. Even if dromedary camels represent <3% of the domesticated ruminants in the countries of the Mediterranean basin Southern coast, these animals play a major socioeconomic role for millions of people who live in the arid zones of Africa, Middle East, and Asia. In Chad and Somalia, camels account for about 7 and 21% of domesticated ruminants, respectively. To meet the growing consumers demand of camel meat and milk (>5 million tons/year of both raw and pasteurized milk according to the Food and Agriculture Organization) sustained by a rapid increase of population (growth rate: 2.26–3.76 per year in North Africa), dromedary camel breeding tends to increase from the Maghreb to the Arabic countries. Because of possible long-term persistence of C. burnetii in camel hump adipocytes, this pathogen could represent a threat for herds and breeding farms and ultimately for public health. Because this review highlights a hyperendemia of C. burnetii in dromedary camels, a proper screening of herds and breeding farms for C. burnetii is urgently needed in countries where camel breeding is on the rise. Moreover, the risk of C. burnetii transmission from camel to human should be further evaluated.

Monitoring productivity of Kazakh Bactrian and Arvana camels of Kazakhstan population

The purpose of the study is to perform monitoring of camels of Kazakh Bactrian and Arvana dromedary breeds in the South West region of Kazakhstan; to determine perspective genotypes of purebred camels according to their dairy productivity. The study of class composition of the selected Arvana female camels of the 1st lactation with a milk yield of not less than 1950 kg allowed identifying 21.8% of Elite Class and 78.2% of Class I among 125 animal units. Kazakh Bactrian female camels of the first lactation are also selected with the yield of 1000 kg minimum in the number of 309 animals in the basic collective farms of camel breeding zones. It was found out that of 309 animals, 23.0% compose the Elite Class and 77.0% make the Class I. The estimation of Kazakh Bactrian female camels according to the milking capacity coefficient allowed determining that the optimal parameter for selection is Rank 1.5-1.9. It was found that in female camels according to the fertility index of Rank 1 (up to 42%), colt safety is reliably higher that compared with female camels of the same age with Rank 2 (42-47%) and Rank 3 (47% and higher).

Biological and production capacities of Kazakh Bactrian camels of various pedigrees

Kazakh Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camels have biological and productive features. So far, there are no scientifically based data on modern breeding practices. The analysis of some peculiarities of Kazakh Bactrian female camels of various pedigrees and determination of their production features are of great importance to develop a productive camel breeding. In this paper some biological peculiarities of Kazakh Bactrian females and their production qualities are determined. It was found that with the decrease of pedigree fraction of Kazakh Bactrian camels the respiration rate increases up to the limit of the physiological standard, body temperature and pulse rate did not change with changing the pedigree of Kazakh Bactrian camels. The recorded data confirm that female camels are clinically healthy in all the physiological parameters. The data show the high level of changes in blood corpuscle concentration, which is 11% higher in red blood cells and 19% higher in white blood cells.