Camel Herds Research Articles

Newly adopted dromedary husbandry systems and breeding practices in the Algerian northern Sahara

Background: Traditional nomadic livestock farmers have adopted new lifestyles, management methods and husbandry practices to improve their livestock income and enhance the value of camel products, whose benefits are increasingly being recognized worldwide. Driven by a rising demand for camel products among urban consumers, these changes include a strong tendency for nomadic communities to settle near urban centers, the temporary stationing of part of the camel herd in urban and peri-urban areas, and the intensification of production in these areas. Aims: This paper aims to present the newly adopted dromedary husbandry practices, and discuss the products and services provided by dromedaries. Methods: Between September 2020 and March 2021, formal and informal interviews were carried out in three locations in the Algerian northern Sahara with 11 camel breeders, whoheld a total of 537 dromedaries (average 48.8 ± 4.36). Results: The study identified three types of dromedary farming systems: 70% of the farms were peri-urban,semi-intensive dairy farms established to meet the rising demand for camel milk, 23% were settled, intensive, peri-urban feedlot farms producing all categories of fattened dromedaries, especially young males, and 7% were settled, urban, and peri-urban dromedary racing farms dedicated to breeding dromedaries for racing and riding during local festivals, activities anchored in the traditions of the native population. The surveyed farms primarily generated income from the sale of milk and live animals, with manure and wool also contributing to their earnings. The food resources used for dromedaries were natural pastures, crop residues and harvest residues. Conclusion: The intensification of dromedary breeding appears essential to ensure the sustainability of this animal resource as it can improve reproductive potential, milk production, and the availability of young calves for fattening farms. The changes in practices identified in this study are enabling breeders, who are managing their livestock in guarded and semi guarded camel production systems, to increase their income.

Typology of Camel Breeding in the Wilaya of El-Oued: Feeding Practices Characterization

Background: Dromedary farming is crucial in El-Oued’s agricultural systems, but challenges such as drought and land expansion are reducing grazing areas and affecting herd management. The research surveyed 102 camel breeders, representing 4592 dromedaries, representing approximately 09% of the total estimated camel herd in this wilaya, regarding herd organization, structure and feeding practices. Three breeder groups were identified: pure pastoral (54.9%), mixed grazing in summer (16.7%) and urban breeders focused on fattening (28.4%). Methods: This study involved a survey of camel breeders from six (06) municipalities in El-Oued to analyze herd organization, structure and feeding practices. Data collection and analysis were aimed at understanding the functioning of camel herders and their integration into the meat market system. Result: The results highlighted significant changes in herd management and operation, showing variable integration of camel production into the meat market system influenced by forage supply variability in Saharan grazing lands. Feeding practices revealed integration with locally produced forage resources, frequent supplementation during grazing and the use of highly energetic concentrated feed as the primary ration for fattening young camels. This study provides valuable insights into camel farming practices in El-Oued, shedding light on the challenges and adaptations of this essential agricultural sector.

Comparison Between the Sustainably- and Unsustainably-Managed Pastures: The Case of Urad-Middle Banner in Inner Mongolia, China

In order to compare the herd size, income level, and the vegetation in the sustainably-managed grazing pasture with unsustainably-managed grazing pasture, this study selected the two pastures that receive heavy-load of camel population and other two pastures receiving light-load of camel herds. In desert having xerophyite Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, the pastures were classified into unsustainably-managed herdsman pasture (UHPZ) and sustainably-managed herdsman pasture (SHPZ). In addition, pastures were ccategorized into unsustainably-managed herdsman pasture (UHPK) and sustainably-managed herdsman pasture (SHPK) in deserts dominated by Krascheninnikovia ceratoides. The vegetation volume of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum at SHPZ, UHPZ and the gravelization sample at UHPZ is 1560 cm3, 480 cm3 and 4 cm3, respectively. On the other hand, the vegetation volume of Krascheninnikovia ceratoides at SHPK, UHPK and the gravelization sample at UHPK is 840 cm3, 510 cm3 and 8 cm3, respectively. In addition, the herdsmen grazing animals in UHPZ and UHPK responded almost no income obtained over the past five years. In conclusion, the vegetation situation and the income level of the sustainable-managed pasture are significantly better than the unsustainable-managed pastures. The local ecological community maybe the major player in decision-making in favour of the Indigenous people, pastures’ vegetation management, and the livelihoods.

Anthrax: Distribution, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Pastoralists in Jawhar, Qalimow and Adan Yabal Somalia.

Anthrax is a Zoonotic Disease (both Human and Animals) the disease is causing higher morbidity and mortality rate in Middle-Shebelle Somalia. Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthraces. It was reported in many parts of the region the disease is endemic that effects production with the pastoralists with an incidence >30% of their livestock production system. In a study to determine the status of anthrax in pastoralists in three selected area of Middle-Shebelle: Jawhar, Qalimow, and Aaden yabaal with Forty two herds were also used. The three selected area of the study were the most livestock populations in Middle-Shebelle. A structured Questionnaire was used to capture pastoralists Knowledge, Attitude and Their Practice with regards of Anthrax Disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted contemporaneously with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key Informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2020 and April 2021. A Four Hundreds (4OO) of Households were visited via Personal interview. The existence of the disease per herd were estimated that 18.1% of camel herds, 34.3% of cattle herds and 47.6% of small ruminants flocks. Thus the summary of the KAP Results indicated that there was lack of Knowledge and Practice Gap among pastoralists related anthrax Disease. Generally, majority of farmers were practicing poorly in livestock community that was created the distribution of the disease. Therefore, the cattle sheep and goat herds should aware the diseases about the characterization and controlling systems through extending and trading for pastoralists and households. In addition, further assessment and control coverage with anthrax disease will highly option of essentials.

Innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestine of camel (Camelus dromedarius) naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.

The spread of John's disease in camel herds (Camelus dromedarius) has been worldwide reported. Despite extensive studies on Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection in camels, the complete pathogenesis and epidemiology of this infection have not been fully exploited. The objective of the study is focusing on the nature of the immune responses, and the types of the recruited cells were studied in the intestine of naturally infected camels employing immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers. Marked expression of some or all of the markers was observed in the ileum, mesenteric, and supramammary lymph nodes of the old infected camels. The expression of CD335, a well-known natural killer (NK) cell marker, was detected in the mesenteric lymph node, while the dendritic cell (DCs) marker, CD103, was markedly expressed in the villi and propria submucosa (PS) of the ileum in old infected camels. CD103 + and CD11b + DCs were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes of young infected camels. The expression of CD38, a crucial proinflammatory marker, was more noticeable in the peripheral region of the mesenteric lymph node. The expression of these markers in the infected camel intestine was peculiar and is reported for the first time. In summary, the unique expression patterns of CD335, CD103, CD11b, and CD38 markers in naturally infected camel intestines revealed through immunohistochemistry new insights into the immune responses associated with MAP infection. These first-time observations suggest potential roles of innate and adaptive immunity, highlighting specific aspects of MAP immunopathology. Further studies with targeted tools are crucial for a precise understanding of these markers' roles in the infected intestines.

Current state and ways to increase the dairy productivity of camels in the south-western region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract Increasing the dairy productivity of camels is an urgent task for many countries where these animals are of great importance as a source of dairy and meat. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and select heavy milk-producing camels for breeding by genotyping, studying the genealogical structure, and selecting related groups with high productivity. To achieve this goal, the number of camel herds in the south-western region of Kazakhstan was monitored during 2020–2022 to study their external characteristics, live weight dynamics, and milk productivity. As a result, it was found that in female camels for 12 months of lactation, the average daily milk yields of the Arvana breed were 7.4 kg, with milk yield for lactation of 2682.8 kg of milk, and in the Bactrian breed with average daily milk yields of 5.8 kg of milk, milk yield for lactation was 1186.3 kg. It was also revealed that the herds of Arvana camels have 15 breeders, and the herds of Bactrian camels have 14 breeders, which are characterised by a sufficient number of offspring for selection and breeding to improve the productive qualities of animals. In addition, it was found that in the herds of Arvana camels, the descendants of the breeders of “Tekele-lek”, “Kara-lek”, “Zhana-lek”, “Mayakum-lek”, “Yrys-lek” and “Shilikti-lek”, and in the herds of Bactrian camels, “Bal-bura”, “Kulsary-bura”, “Zhas-bura”, “Taushyk-II-bura”, “Sakon-bura”, “Konai-bura”, and “Kulandy-bura” noted high milk productivity. It was found that in the milk of camels of the Arvana breed, the content of nonfat milk solids was 8.3%, the density was 27.66 g/cm 3 , the acidity was 19 0 T, in the milk of the Bactrian breed, these indicators were, respectively: 8.23%, 27.81 g/cm, 3 and 19 0 T. The results obtained are of great practical importance, as they can be applied to create new methods and technologies for managing camel herds that will help increase their dairy productivity.

Fluctuations of testosterone and cortisol levels in male dromedary camels in response to behavioral and management situations.

Biostimulation is a management practice that improves the reproductive parameters, potentiates the desire, and improves the reproductive efficiency during the short breeding season in camels. This study aims to investigate the concurrent changes in hormonal profiles in response to management and behavioral situations on camel farms in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 10 male and 50 female camels were used in this study. The hormonal profile of male camels was evaluated weekly starting from December to August. The results show that both serum testosterone and cortisol levels increased (p < 0.01) from December to March compared to April to August. A strong negative correlation was observed between testosterone levels and temperature (r = -0.81, p < 0.05), and a similarly robust negative correlation was found between cortisol levels and temperature (r = -0.83, p < 0.05). The dominant rutting males showed higher levels of testosterone than the submissive males. Serum testosterone levels increased (p < 0.01) in males out of rutting after hearing the sounds of other couples before and during mating. Hearing sounds emitted during mating increases the testosterone output, and improves the libido of male camels during the nonrutting period. It is important to keep two individually housed males for mating purposes. One male joins the herd alone in winter (winter rutter), and the other joins in spring (spring rutter), this could keep the libido extended rutting and improve the reproductive performance in camel herds.

Detection and molecular typing of epidemic Brucella strains among camels, sheep, and cattle in Xinjiang, China.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can result in symptoms including infertility, abortion, testicular inflammation, and arthritis in affected sheep and cattle. The disease can spread through a range of mechanisms, making outbreaks difficult to control such that affected farms often suffer severe economic losses. In addition, humans can be affected by brucellosis, and the number of cases continues to rise annually. As rates of brucellosis in Xinjiang, China have been increasing substantially in recent years, this study was developed to assess brucellosis seroprevalence among herds of cattle, sheep, and camels in Xinjiang through the use of common diagnostic procedures like the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and PCR. A cross-sectional approach was used to analyze the seroprevalence of brucellosis across 720 total farm animals (320 camels, 250 sheep, and 150 cattle). RBT incidence rate for brucellosis was detected in 60 serum samples, 14 (4.38%) from camels, 45 (18%) from sheep, and 1 (0.67%) from cattle. PCR was performed as a confirmatory approach for these RBT-positive samples, with 55 ultimately being confirmed to be positive 13 (4.06%), 41 (16.4%), and 1 (0.67%) samples from camels, sheep, and cattle, respectively. In this survey, sheep exhibited the highest brucellosis seroprevalence using these two analytical techniques, while cattle exhibited the lowest seroprevalence and camels exhibited an intermediate rate. AMOS-PCR analyses identified Brucella melitensis as the unknown bacterium in some of these samples. These results offer new insight regarding brucellosis seroprevalence among farm animals that can be used to formulate more appropriate prevention and control policies, while also improving awareness of epidemic prevention efforts, the need for routine quarantine and disinfection, the benefits of scientific breeding and management, and approaches to improving breeding efficiency for the camel, cattle, and sheep industries.

Camel Herd Structure and Performance in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya

Camel Herd Structure and Performance in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya

A longitudinal study of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in dromedary camels

BackgroundMiddle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was identified in humans in 2012. Since then, 2605 cases and 937 associated deaths have been reported globally. Camels are the natural host for MERS-CoV and camel to human transmission has been documented. The relationship between MERS-CoV shedding and presence of neutralizing antibodies in camels is critical to inform surveillance and control, including future deployment of camel vaccines. However, it remains poorly understood. The longitudinal study conducted in a closed camel herd in Egypt between December 2019 and March 2020 helped to characterize the kinetics of MERS-CoV neutralizing antibodies and its relation with viral shedding.ResultsDuring the 100-day longitudinal study, 27 out of 54 camels (50%) consistently tested negative for presence of antibodies against MERS-CoV, 19 (35.2%) tested positive and 8 (14.8%) had both, positive and negative test results. Fourteen events that could be interpreted as serological indication of probable infection (two seroconversions and twelve instances of positive camels more than doubling their optical density ratio (OD ratio) in consecutive samples) were identified. Observed times between the identified events provided strong evidence (p = 0.002) against the null hypothesis that they occurred with constant rate during the study, as opposed to clustering at certain points in time. A generalized additive model showed that optical density ratio (OD ratio) is positively associated with being an adult and varies across individual camels and days, peaking at around days 20 and 90 of the study. Despite serological indication of probable virus circulation and intense repeated sampling, none of the tested nasal swab samples were positive for MERS-CoV RNA, suggesting that, if the identified serological responses are the result of virus circulation, the virus may be present in nasal tissue of infected camels during a very narrow time window.ConclusionsLongitudinal testing of a closed camel herd with past history of MERS-CoV infection is compatible with the virus continuing to circulate in the herd despite lack of contact with other camels. It is likely that episodes of MERS-CoV infection in camels can take place with minimal presence of the virus in their nasal tissues, which has important implications for future surveillance and control of MERS-CoV in camel herds and prevention of its zoonotic transmission.

Clinicopathological Investigations Among Recurrent Camelpox Outbreaks in Omanis’ Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Camelpox remains a widespread viral disease in camelids, with socioeconomic relevance. The present study explored the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations in dromedary-racing camels from the North of Oman infected with camelpox virus diagnosed by real-time PCR. Blood and skin samples were collected from camels with clinical signs and skin lesions (n=4) and from healthy camels (n=3) from 10 different camel herds. The results indicated that the infected camels showed clinical signs, including pyrexia, lacrimation, nasal mucus discharge, affixed and swollen eyelids, emaciation, and pimples on the skin of the head, legs, and abdomen. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets were significantly greater, with a significant reduction in leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in infected camels than in healthy camels. Infected camels had higher CK and creatinine levels and hepatic-related metabolites, including AST, ALP, AST, GGT, and LDH, than the apparently healthy camels. Histopathological examination of skin scab samples revealed ballooning degeneration of epidermal cells in the presence of typical large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and suppurative dermatitis following secondary bacterial infection in all examined infected camels. Camelpox viral DNA was detected using real-time PCR in the blood and skin samples of all infected camels. These findings in dromedary-racing camels associated with a molecular diagnosis of camelpox are described for the first time in the Sultanate of Oman. Therefore, further studies are warranted.

Detection of viral antibodies in camel sera using magnetic particle spectroscopy

Pandemics like SARS-Cov-2 very frequently have their origin in different animals and in particular herds of camels could be a source of zoonotic diseases. This study took advantage on a highly sensitive and adaptable method for the fast and reliable detection of viral antibodies in camels using low-cost equipment. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have high variability in their functionalization with different peptides and proteins. We confirm that 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES)-coated MNP could be functionalized with viral proteins. The protein loading could be confirmed by simple loading controls using FACS-analysis (p < 0.05). Complementary combination of antigen and antibody yields in a significant signal increase could be proven by both FACS and COMPASS. However, COMPASS needs only a few seconds for the measurement. In COMPASS, the phase φn on selected critical point of the fifth higher harmonic (n = 5th). Here, positive sera display highly significant signal increase over the control or negative sera. Furthermore, a clear distinction could be made in antibody detection as an immune response to closely related viruses (SARS-CoV2 and MERS). Using modified MNPs along with COMPASS offers a fast and reliable method that is less cost intensive than current technologies and offers the possibility to be quickly adapted in case of new occurring viral infections.Key points• COMPASS (critical offset magnetic particle spectroscopy) allows the fast detection of antibodies.• Magnetic nanoparticles can be adapted by exchange of the linked bait molecule.• Antibodies could be detected in camel sera without washing steps within seconds.

An Outbreak of Pre-parturient and Post-parturient Clinical Hypocalcemia in a Camel’s Herd in Iran

Background: Desert plants cannot provide all the animals’ requirements for calcium and mineral deficiency in camels. This condition is mostly aggravated in dry seasons. The present study investigates hypocalcemia in pre-parturient and post-parturient camels. Methods: In a camel herd, 25 out of 96 pregnant animals showed clinical signs of hypocalcemia within a week after parturition. Two camels had abortions, and 9 animals that gave birth died. The blood samples were collected from the animals, and their calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured using a commercial kit. Results: The clinical and necropsy signs resemble a decline in blood calcium, and the level of calcium and phosphorus had fallen below the normal range in all tested blood samples. Most camels recovered after the administration of injectable calcium and adding supplementary nutrition. Conclusion: Paying attention to mineral balance, especially in the last months of pregnancy and in recently parturiated camels, is crucial.

Camel livestock in the Algerian Sahara under the context of climate change: Milk properties and livestock production practices

Camel livestock is an ancestral activity in Algeria; however, climate change has forced camel herders to modify their breeding practices to make them more sustainable. This study summarized livestock production practices, milk qualities, and the potential of camel livestock to preserve production ability under global warming. To collect data related to livestock farming practices, 10 camel herders were interviewed using a formal questionnaire. Then, 15 milk samples (9 samples of raw milk and 6 samples that had undergone heat treatment) were collected in the region of Oued Souf in southeastern Algeria to carry out the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis. From 1990 to 2021, results showed severe drought accompanied by a significant increase in the annual average maximum temperature with a temporal slope of 0.04 °C year−1 and a significant decline in annual precipitation with a temporal slope of −0.07 mm year−1. A socio-demographic survey revealed a low educational level for camel herders. They owned small herd of camels (6.84 ± 8.66 camels) in the transhumant and extensive system or > 150 heads in the nomadic and extensive system. The average daily milk production in the nomadic system was very low (<3 L/day); it was less important compared to that in the transhumant system (4–5 L/day), with an acceptable physicochemical quality but poor bacteriological quality. Given the susceptibility of the research area, we recorded that camel livestock and travel mobility were used as adaptation strategies to the effects of climate change. On the one hand, camel breed conservation programs can enhance biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem. On the other side, a genetic improvement program that might boost productivity and profitability might be advantageous. Smallholders may benefit from this by receiving a fair and secure income and good working conditions, which could contribute significantly to social equity and local economies.

From crowd to herd counting: How to precisely detect and count African mammals using aerial imagery and deep learning?

Rapid growth of human populations in sub-Saharan Africa has led to a simultaneous increase in the number of livestock, often leading to conflicts of use with wildlife in protected areas. To minimize these conflicts, and to meet both communities’ and conservation goals, it is therefore essential to monitor livestock density and their land use. This is usually done by conducting aerial surveys during which aerial images are taken for later counting. Although this approach appears to reduce counting bias, the manual processing of images is time-consuming. The use of dense convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has emerged as a very promising avenue for processing such datasets. However, typical CNN architectures have detection limits for dense herds and close-by animals. To tackle this problem, this study introduces a new point-based CNN architecture, HerdNet, inspired by crowd counting. It was optimized on challenging oblique aerial images containing herds of camels (Camelus dromedarius), donkeys (Equus asinus), sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus), acquired over heterogeneous arid landscapes of the Ennedi reserve (Chad). This approach was compared to an anchor-based architecture, Faster-RCNN, and a density-based, adapted version of DLA-34 that is typically used in crowd counting. HerdNet achieved a global F1 score of 73.6 % on 24 megapixels images, with a root mean square error of 9.8 animals and at a processing speed of 3.6 s, outperforming the two baselines in terms of localization, counting and speed. It showed better proximity-invariant precision while maintaining equivalent recall to that of Faster-RCNN, thus demonstrating that it is the most suitable approach for detecting and counting large mammals at close range. The only limitation of HerdNet was the slightly weaker identification of species, with an average confusion rate approximately 4 % higher than that of Faster-RCNN. This study provides a new CNN architecture that could be used to develop an automatic livestock counting tool in aerial imagery. The reduced image analysis time could motivate more frequent flights, thus allowing a much finer monitoring of livestock and their land use.

Genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in dromedaries in Ethiopia, 2017–2020

ABSTRACT Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is enzootic in dromedary camels and causes zoonotic infection and disease in humans. Although over 80% of the global population of infected dromedary camels are found in Africa, zoonotic disease had only been reported in the Arabia Peninsula and travel-associated disease has been reported elsewhere. In this study, genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of MERS-CoV in dromedary camels in Ethiopia were investigated during 2017–2020. Of 1766 nasal swab samples collected, 61 (3.5%) were detected positive for MERS-CoV RNA. Of 484 turbinate swab samples collected, 10 (2.1%) were detected positive for MERS-CoV RNA. Twenty-five whole genome sequences were obtained from these MERS-CoV positive samples. Phylogenetically, these Ethiopian camel-originated MERS-CoV belonged to clade C2, clustering with other East African camel strains. Virus sequences from camel herds clustered geographically while in an abattoir, two distinct phylogenetic clusters of MERS-CoVs were observed in two sequential sampling collections, which indicates the greater genetic diversity of MERS-CoV in abattoirs. In contrast to clade A and B viruses from the Arabian Peninsula, clade C camel-originated MERS-CoV from Ethiopia had various nucleotide insertions and deletions in non-structural gene nsp3, accessory genes ORF3 and ORF5 and structural gene N. This study demonstrates the genetic instability of MERS-CoV in dromedaries in East Africa, which indicates that the virus is still actively adapting to its camel host. The impact of the observed nucleotide insertions and deletions on virus evolution, viral fitness, and zoonotic potential deserves further study.

Meta-analysis of seroprevalence and zoonotic infections of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): A one-health perspective

The zoonotic Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by an emerging beta-coronavirus (CoV). The majority of MERS studies have included scattered data from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, and these data have not been analyzed collectively. In this work, a meta-analysis of these studies was conducted to coalesce these results, determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of MERS-CoV in camels and humans, and examine how zoonotic infection rates in dromedary camels are related to human infection rates. After extracting the collected data, the prevalence and seroprevalence at a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effects inverse-variance meta-analysis was conducted. Thirteen studies were included. Eight studies included 2905 samples from dromedary camels, of which 1108 (38.14%) were positive for the virus. The prevalence was 8.75[−13.47, 30.98] at 95% CI in dromedary camels and 0.03[−35.23, 35.28] at 95% CI in humans. Ten studies included 7176 serum samples, 5788 (80.66%) of which were positive. The seroprevalence was 20.69[−4.60, 45.99] at 95% CI. The prevalence of MERS-CoV was moderate to high, but the seroprevalence was high. Despite the high prevalence of the virus in camel herds, zoonotic transmissions were not widespread. Further longitudinal and cross-sectional follow-up studies are recommended to provide solid control of MERS-CoV transmission.

Economic Analysis of Feeding Locally Formulated and Commercial Milk Replacer to Camel Calves in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya

Despite the huge potential for the growth of camel herds, calf mortality remains a challenge among the pastoral camel keepers in Kenya. This is due to competition for milk by calves and households for domestic consumption and trade among other factors. Adoption of Commercial Milk Replacer (CMR) and locally formulated Plant Based Milk Replacer (PBMR) as an alternative to camel milk feeding has the potential of improving the camel calves’ nutrition and household income. Ten camel calves were randomly assigned to two separate diets; PBMR and CMR, five in each diet, for 70 days. A control group of 5 calves on the pastoral milk feeding regime was also observed. Calves on PBMR were confined throughout the experimental period while calves on CMR were not confined but fed 2 litres of CMR daily. All the calves were weighed weekly. This study employed a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) to assess the financial viability of using PBMR and CMR as a replacement to camel milk. Costs which included milk replacer and labour were captured and extrapolated for ten years to show the benefits of PBMR over CMR. Net Present Values (NPV), a financial analytical tool that shows viability of each feeding regime was then calculated. The results showed that it is more economical to feed calves using PBMR (5) compared to CMR (3) or pastoral feeding regime (3). The study recommends promotion of PBMR among pastoral camel keepers for improvement of nutritional status of suckling camel calves and household income.

Expression of Hormones, Cytokines, and Antioxidants in Heat-Stressed Subfertile Female Dromedaries.

Simple SummaryHeat stress imposes a high burden on domestic animals’ productive and reproductive performance. Due to the long hot summer, drought, and shortage of green fodders, camels raised in the desert suffer a lot of reproductive inefficiencies. This animal represents one of the main wealth sources for the desert inhabitants. Several fertility disorders have been discovered, leading to frequent breeding without pregnancy. This study aimed at exploring blood metabolites such as metabolic and reproductive hormones, cytokines, and antioxidants to be monitored as bio-indictors for subfertility in female camels. The results confirmed that none of the tested metabolic hormones and glucose revealed differences among fertile and subfertile females. However, FSH, inhibin, IL-ß, nitrous oxide, and glutathione revealed remarkable differences between fertile and subfertile females, which would be reliable tools to predict subfertility statuses in this animal. IL-ß revealed higher levels in the cases with genital inflammations. The normal profiles in control females revealed the highest FSH, and the lowest inhibin were vice versa in all subfertile females. Nonetheless, nitrous oxide and glutathione would also be reliable bio-indicators for judging the fertility status.The prevailing hot climate imposes heavy burdens on the productivity of the camel, goat, and sheep herds raised in the Gulf desert. Due to the lack of a reliable indicator for the various subfertility statuses in camel females, this study aimed to investigate the expression of inhibin, TGFά, ILß, FSH, sex and metabolic hormones, and antioxidants for the fertility status in camel females. Eighty-two subfertile and five fertile females were admitted to the university clinic with the complaint of repeat breeding with failed conception. The animal’s genital tracts were examined for reproductive soundness. Blood samples were withdrawn for hormonal, cytokines, and antioxidants determinations. Subfertile females were categorized into six groups; endometritis (EN, 28), inactive ovaries (IO, 20), ovarian hydrobursitis (BU, 19), vaginal adhesions (VA, 7), salpingitis (SA, 4), and cervicitis (CE, 4). Results revealed a significant increase in inhibin in all groups compared to control (68.2, 66.4, 61.8. 58.8, 58.3, 55.8, and 36 pg/mL, in CE, VA, IO, BU, EN, SA, and CON, respectively). TGFά, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and progesterone were not different among groups, whereas IL-ß differed among groups. FSH, estradiol, nitrous oxide, and glutathione were higher in CON compared with other groups. In conclusion, reproductive failures in camel females are reflected in the imbalances of endocrine, cytokines, and antioxidants bio-indicators.

Factors associated with total coliform and total viable bacterial count in camel milk from Isiolo County, Kenya.

Background and Aim:Camels have adaptive features to harsh climatic conditions, which make them a valued stable source of livelihood in arid lands. This study estimated the total bacterial and coliform counts (CCs), their associated factors in raw camel milk from the pastoral camel keepers, and the entire milk value chain in Isiolo County and Nairobi, Kenya. This study elucidates the bacterial load in camel milk and its potential risk. Moreover, this study provides recommendations on how to avert a human health hazard.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study targeted the camel pastoralists in Isiolo County, in the northern central part of Kenya. The study was conducted in July and August 2021. In addition, camel milk samples were collected along the value chain key points, including the producers, transporters, one bulker, and small traders in Isiolo town, and other retailers in Nairobi City. Eight camel herds were purposively selected and visited for a sample collection from pooled milking containers (10 mL each). In addition, milk was collected from pooled milk through the transporters, two milk bulkers, and several milk retailers in Isiolo town. Milk was further collected from retailers in Eastleigh town, Nairobi City. At each sampling point, 20 mL of milk sample was collected aseptically. The milk samples were assessed for total viable bacterial counts (TVBC) and CCs using the plate count and digital colony count, respectively.Results:A total of 76 respondents were selected and 213 milk samples were collected in this study. The respondents included the 1 (1.3%) bulker, 32 (42.1%) producers, 26 (34.2%) traders, and 17 (22.4%) transporters. Most respondents were male (62%), with most being over 40 years old. Overall, the TVBC had a mean of 2436835 ± 9276636 and a median of 3600. Furthermore, the multivariable multilevel mixed-effects linear regression model indicated that gender and practice of smoking milk-handling containers were positively and negatively associated with high counts of the natural logarithm of total viable bacteria, respectively. Of the milk samples evaluated for the CC, 10.3% (22/213) had counts greater than or equal to (≥) 100,000, where some also indicated extreme outliers of about 9.3 million.Conclusion:This study reports a low proportion of camel milk samples with high total viable bacterial and CCs. The material of the milk container and level of education interactively affected the total viable bacteria.