Cosmetic tampering in dromedary camels at beauty competitions remains inadequately documented. This comprehensive study evaluated 5,365 camels using integrated diagnostic imaging and electromyography to assess tampering prevalence and detection methods. One thousand and ninety-five camels (20.4%) showed cosmetic tampering, predominantly lip stretching, followed by subcutaneous air injection, nasal fillers, elevated testosterone, and lip binding, with less frequent cases of lip filler injection, nostril abscessation, ear cropping, nerve anaesthesia, and hump filler injection. Ultrasonography was the most sensitive diagnostic tool, discriminating normal from manipulated tissues by identifying hypoechoic or anechoic foci. Radiography revealed radiolucent areas in acute cases and soft tissue opacities with calcifications chronically, while CT imaging delineated tissue tearing, oedema, and hyperdense deposits. Infrared thermography showed thermal asymmetry in manipulated regions, and EMG demonstrated progressive muscle activity decline, with near-complete suppression in locally anaesthetised animals. Multimodal imaging combined with electrodiagnostic techniques reliably detected cosmetic tampering, with ultrasonography as the primary diagnostic tool while radiography, CT, infrared thermography, and EMG provided complementary assessment enabling differentiation between recent and chronic manipulations. This multimodal protocol constitutes a comprehensive diagnostic framework, in which each technique targets specific forms of cosmetic tampering, ensuring that the combined application minimises the likelihood of any manipulation or fraudulent practice remaining undetected. These findings highlight significant health and welfare risks, supporting the need for routine screening and regulatory enforcement at camel competitions to detect and regulate such unethical practices.
Like other mammalian species, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) heart consists of specialised structures responsible for generating and propagating electrical impulses to coordinate myocardial contraction. The electrical conduction system embedded within the atria and ventricles plays a crucial role in regulating cardiac function and ensuring efficient blood circulation in the challenging desert environment. The conduction system is composed of the sinoatrial node (SAN), atrioventricular node (AVN), the bundle of His, the right and left bundle branches, and the Purkinje fibres. These structures work in tandem to maintain a consistent heartbeat, adjusting to physiological demands such as dehydration, prolonged exertion, and temperature extremes. The SAN, often referred to as the heart’s primary pacemaker, initiates electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat. The AVN delays transmission of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. The bundle of His and its branches facilitate rapid transmission to the Purkinje fibres, ensuring synchronised ventricular contractions. The aim of this review is to describe and synthesise current knowledge on the anatomical, histological, and electrocardiographic (ECG) features of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) heart, with particular emphasis on its specialised conduction system and physiological adaptations that facilitate resilience in arid desert environments.
This study explores the rich oral traditions of the Berhale District in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, focusing specifically on camel-centric proverbs. In this arid landscape, the dromedary camel is not only a biological necessity for survival but also a foundational pillar of cultural identity. Using a purposive sampling approach across 5 kebeles and 90 households, the research collected proverbs in the Afar language, which were subsequently translated into Amharic and English. The results, analysed through narrative synthesis, revealed that these proverbs function as a vital Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) for resilience, conflict resolution and camel management. A key finding of the study is the direct link between oral camel-centric proverbs and practical husbandry, categorised into five thematic areas: (1) Social Status, Wealth and Identity; (2) Intelligence and Navigation; (3) Biological Nature and Psychology; (4) Medicinal and Life-Sustaining Value; and (5) Legal Integrity and Traditional Law. The study concludes that documenting these linguistic treasures is essential for preserving pastoral wisdom. Furthermore, it suggests integrating this indigenous knowledge into modern camel management and regional educational policies to enhance camel productivity and safeguard cultural heritage.
This research documents the indigenous knowledge and material culture used to preserve camel meat in Berhale district. In the lowlands of Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, the territory where extreme thermal stress makes modern refrigeration nonexistent, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) remains the primary safeguard against food insecurity for Afar pastoralist communities. Data were gathered from 90 households through multi-stage sampling, utilising structured interviews and focus group sessions to track how raw meat is converted into Muqmad, a long term protein reserve. The study found that Afar elders effectively utilise hurdle technology through a layered defense: solar drying, antimicrobial smoking and sealing the meat in rendered camel tallow. These cultural zero energy techniques keep the meat edible for up to a year, even when outside temperatures exceed 45°C. A critical component of this system is the Xeedho, a specialised wooden vessel that acts as an airtight storage unit to block oxygen and stop the fat from turning rancid. While these methods are essential for surviving seasonal hunger, the local industry is held back by informal trade routes and inconsistent quality measures. I argue for a scientific hybridity approach merging Afar expertise with modern food safety standards like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). By standardising these local methods, Muqmad can be transformed from a local survival food into a high value, clean label export, protecting both Afar heritage and regional food supplies in an increasingly volatile climate.
This study investigates the intersection of dromedary population dynamics and drought intensity in Ethiopia across a 27-year longitudinal timeframe (1995/96-2021/22). By aggregating longitudinal data from the Central Statistical Agency (CSA) and various secondary academic sources, we analysed the correlation between herd fluctuations and historical moisture stress cycles. The findings indicate an unprecedented 700% increase of the national camel herd, which grew from a baseline of 1 million to 8.12 million animals. Although brief population dips were noted in 2009 and 2013, the species demonstrated rapid geometric recovery. A significant demographic skew was observed, with females comprising the majority of the population a result of the selective market off-take of males for the meat trade. Analysis confirms a robust positive correlation between drought severity and population growth. While ruminants suffered 40–60% mortality during extreme shocks (e.g., 2011/12), dromedary populations remained stable. This shift, termed camelisation, represents a deliberate adaptation by herders to utilise the camel as a climate resilient insurance asset. To maximise this strategic resource, we propose a four pillar framework that prioritises technological integration through solar powered cold chain systems for milk value chains, alongside a shift toward veterinary specialisation focused on dromedary specific pathologies. Furthermore, this approach advocates for enhanced financial support by providing credit facilities for species-based herd diversification and emphasises robust environmental governance to protect traditional migratory grazing corridors through formal land use planning.
Three dromedary camels were infected with the Rickettsia, Anaplasma marginale. One American Type Culture Collection strain was intravenously injected into the jugular veins of two adult dromedary camels. Additionally, EDTA blood from a bovine bull naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale was also intravenously injected into the jugular vein of a third camel. All three camels were tested for A. marginale using PCR, Giemsa staining and serology. All tests were negative and the dromedary camels remained healthy throughout the study.
An obsession with unusual animals led me to pursue a veterinary career as a Zoovet only to end up in specialising in one “exotic” species, the camel. This interest led me to initially be involved with chasing wild Australian camels in the Australian desert and then being employed to manage the world’s longest animal endurance race in 1988. As a result of this I was offered the opportunity to go to Abu Dhabi where I could truly “specialise “in many aspects of veterinary medicine with this incredible animal.
Butana plain, Gadarif State is a very important camel grazing area, but there is no available information on rangeland characteristics and plants nutritive value in the area. Consequently, a study was conducted to furnish this information using 1×1m iron quadrate and the standard methods. Plants samples were collected, stored and used for proximate analysis. Data was statistically analysed according to the completely randomised design and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used for means separation. Rangeland plants proximate analysis varied highly among sampling sites, areas and month. Ether extract was very low in all plants. Forbs generally had good CP (>6.5%) in all month.
Camels in Kutch region of India are raised on browse resources by the pastoralists. Availability of browse resources affects nutritional composition of milk from the species. Supplementation could be of advantage during pregnancy and during the lean season. An experiment was planned to monitor the animals under field conditions to study the preference of various species which contributed to the browse ingested, change in body condition score and quality of milk produced by camels raised on available browse with and without concentrate supplement. Pelleted feed concentrate was prepared with admixture of cotton seed extract, rapeseed extract, rice polish, deoiled rice bran, maize, di calcium phosphate, common salt and molasses. Body condition scores improved with the stage of pregnancy however differences with and without supplement were not observed. Acacia nilotica a tree species was the most preferred plant species followed by Zizyphus nummularia bush, Acacia tortalis tree, Leptidinia reticulata and Piper betle creepers were avidly consumed. Ruminations pattern was observed to be similar in animal’s supplemented concentrate. Milk production increased from 3.68 to 4.05 kg/d and production of 4% FCM also improved from 2.43 to 2.66 kg/d which reflected improvement due to supplementation of concentrate feed. Observations suggest improvement in milk production and its fat content could be achieved in Kutchi camels raised under field conditions.
Camel nasal myiasis, caused by the larvae of Cephalopina titillator, poses significant health and economic burdens in tropical and subtropical regions. Ivermectin, a widely used antiparasitic, has shown promise, but its detailed tissue damaging effects and its mechanisms on this parasite remain underexplored. This study was aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of Ivermectin against C. titillator larvae, the causative agent of camel nasal myiasis, by evaluating its histopathological and immunohistochemical effects on larval tissues, focusing on cellular structures, proliferative activity, and apoptosis. Larvae were collected from slaughtered camels in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and exposed to Ivermectin (1 µg/ml) for 8 hours. Histopathological analysis assessed tissue damage in the cuticle, muscles, fat bodies, and gut. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and caspase 3 expressions to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Control larvae received vehicle treatment. Ivermectin induced widespread damage across multiple larval strucutres. Structural barriers were compromised through cuticle thinning, locomotion was impaired by extensive muscle degeneration, and metabolic function was disrupted by fat body necrosis and lipid depletion. Digestive capacity was adversely affected by gut epithelial degeneration and brush border disruption. At the cellular level, ivermectin markedly suppressed PCNA expression in gut epithelium, indicating inhibition of tissue renewal, while strongly activating caspase-3-mediated apoptosis in the cuticle, fat body and gut. These combined effects suggest irreversible functional collapse rather than transient paralysis. Ivermectin impairs larval structural and cellular integrity, mobility, and metabolic functions while promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tissue repair. These findings clarify its larvicidal efficacy and support its use in managing C. titillator infestations in camels.
This autobiographical account chronicles my professional journey in camel science, from my early inspiration in Morocco to my international engagement through the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Tunisia. Growing up in a country where camels are central to the livelihoods and cultural heritage of arid and semi-arid regions, I developed a lasting interest in understanding the remarkable biological adaptations of these animals. My academic and research career at the Agronomic and Veterinary Institute Hassan II initially focused on animal physiology and health but gradually evolved toward camel physiology, clinical biochemistry, mineral metabolism, nutrition, dehydration, stress physiology, and adaptation to desert environments. Over the years, my work expanded to encompass camel health, reproduction, disease management, milk quality, and sustainable production systems through multidisciplinary research and international collaborations. Participation in FAO-led programmes provided opportunities to promote camel development through research, technical cooperation, capacity building, policy dialogue, and scientific networking across Africa and the Middle East. This journey also reflects the remarkable evolution of camel science from a relatively neglected discipline to a rapidly advancing field driven by innovations in genomics, precision livestock management, nutrition, health, and value addition of camel products. Beyond scientific achievements, the article highlights the vital role of camels in enhancing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable pastoral livelihoods in dryland ecosystems. It concludes by emphasising the importance of continued investment in research, innovation, and international collaboration to fully harness the potential of camels as strategic livestock species capable of addressing emerging global challenges related to climate change, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.
Camel meat remains underutilised due to its inherent toughness. While marinades containing plant extracts and organic acids are used empirically, the specific effects of acetic acid alone or combined with ginger extract on camel meat quality traits remain underexplored. Furthermore, previous studies have relied primarily on physicochemical assessments without systematic histological validation. This study characterised the individual and combined effects of ginger extract (9%) and acetic acid (1%) on some physicochemical and histological properties of camel biceps femoris after 48 h marination at 4°C. Acetic acid alone markedly decreased pH (4.83), whereas ginger extract showed moderate acidification (5.40), with the combination exhibiting an intermediate value (5.15) (p < 0.05, Kendall’s W = 0.678). Cooking loss was highest in ginger-treated samples (47.05%) (p < 0.05, Kendall’s W = 0.395), while acetic acid-treated samples (36.00%) and the combination’s samples (37.94%) remained comparable to controls (33.25-35.53%) (p > 0.05). All marinades significantly increased brightness (L*) (Kendall’s W = 0.790), but redness (a*) was preserved only in ginger-containing treatments (p > 0.05). Yellowness (b*) increased exclusively with ginger (p < 0.05, W = 0.714). Histological measurements showed no significant differences in fibre diameter (Kendall’s W = 0.029) or extracellular space (Kendall’s W = 0.114) (all p > 0.05), despite qualitative evidence of structural modifications, notably muscle and collagen fibres disintegration. These effects are especially apparent in the ginger-marinated group, while mix marinades group displayed intermediate modifications, with less pronounced fragmentation. The ginger-acetic acid combination emerged as the most balanced formulation, achieving moderate acidification, preserved water-holding capacity, and stabilised colour. These findings establish a mechanistic basis for optimising camel meat quality and support sustainable protein diversification. Future research should validate sensory outcomes for industrial adoption.
Camel milk is a nutritionally valuable resource with considerable potential for dairy processing; however, its transformation into cheese remains limited due to its specific physicochemical characteristics, particularly its low content of coagulable caseins and atypical micellar structure, which impair coagulation efficiency and cheese yield. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of enriching camel milk with different levels of cow milk powder (CWMP) and camel milk powder (CMP) on the manufacture, composition and sensory quality of fresh soft white cheese. Camel milk was supplemented with CWMP or CMP at 2%, 5% and 10% (w/v), alongside a non-enriched control. The acidification kinetics, coagulation behaviour, physicochemical composition, cheese yield and sensory properties of the resulting cheeses were analysed. Enrichment with CWMP, particularly at 5% and 10%, resulted in a faster acidification rate, lower final pH values, improved curd firmness and significantly higher cheese yields compared with CMP-enriched and control samples. Cheeses enriched with CMP exhibited slower acidification and weaker curd structure, reflecting the intrinsic compositional properties of camel milk. Sensory evaluation revealed that moderate enrichment levels were critical for consumer acceptance. Cheeses supplemented with 2% and 5% CWMP achieved the highest scores for colour, appearance, taste and overall acceptability, while preserving the characteristic camel milk flavour. In contrast, high incorporation levels, especially 10% CMP, negatively affected sensory perception and overall acceptance. Overall, the results indicate that moderate supplementation of camel milk with cow milk powder, particularly at a level of 5%, represents an optimal strategy to improve the technological performance and yield of camel milk fresh soft white cheese while maintaining its desirable sensory attributes. This approach offers a promising pathway for the valorisation of camel milk in arid and semi-arid regions through the development of acceptable and high-quality dairy products.
Two of six dromedary camels aborted due to high selenium values found in their blood. Selenium toxicity has not been reported in camels, including abortions. Both aborted dromedary dams had serum selenium values of 6 µmol/L. Normal serum selenium values are 1.5 to 2.6 µmol/L. Evidence for an infectious cause of the abortion was not identified in these camels.
The current study’s goals are to investigate the foetal adrenal gland’s histochemistry. Twenty-five foetuses at various developmental stages were used for conventional histological and histochemical techniques. Alkaline phosphatase activity was discovered in the same locations as PAS positive diastase-digested material. Neuroblasts, blood vessels, the adrenal capsule, the cells of the zona glomerulosa, the innermost part of the zona fasiculata and the foetal zone were all shown to have both alkaline phosphatase and PAS positive diastase resistant material. The blood vessels and a few isolated cells in the cortex and medulla were found to have the enzyme acid phosphatase. In conclusion, although it has unique characteristics, the histochemistry of the developing camel foetal adrenal gland was generally comparable to that of the foetal adrenal glands of other domestic animals.
This study was aimed to assess cutaneous conditions and gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism of camels kept in a livestock market in Doha, Qatar. Fifteen animals showing skin lesions were examined through macroscopic inspection, adhesive tape impression cytology (ATIC) and superficial skin scraping cytology (SSSC). Fresh faeces from nine camels were tested using Mini-FLOTAC. Alopecia with or without hyperpigmentation and crusting was recorded in 13 animals, nodules/macules in one and mixed lesions in one. The skin lesions were mainly found on the neck, shoulders, abdomen and hump. On ATIC, larval (seed) ticks were detected in two animals; hyperkeratosis in eight; and exudative dermatitis with inflammatory cells in three. On SSSC, hair shaft arthroconidia consistent with dermatophytosis were observed in five camels, accompanied by hair shaft thickening, cuticular lifting or loss, trichoptilosis and altered melanin granules; yeast-like bodies were found in four cases. Background scale/scab material was common; lesion severity was mild in four cases and severe in 11. No inflammatory cells were detected on SSSC. Mini-FLOTAC identified non-sporulated oocysts of Eimeria cameli and dromedari in three faecal samples; no nematode or cestode eggs were detected. These findings highlight heterogeneous but predominantly superficial dermatologic processes and protozoal GI parasitism in market camels. These preliminary data prove that skin disorders are a welfare concern and are useful to suggest recommendations to improve the health and welfare of camels kept on markets. Further and larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
This case report describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment and progression of an ocular lesion in a llama. A 4-year-old female llama was presented with epiphora, blepharospasm and corneal rupture in the left eye, suggestive of trauma-induced corneal perforation. Due to the severity of the lesion and the risk of secondary complications, enucleation of the eyeball was performed using a transpalpebral technique under general anaesthesia. Postoperative management included systemic analgesics, antibiotics and the gradual removal of cambric-type gauze impregnated with antibiotics from the orbital cavity, which promoted controlled granulation tissue formation and uncomplicated healing.
This narrative outlines the professional journey of Dr. Binoy Sebastian Vettical from foundational education in veterinary science in Kerala, India, to a senior scientific role in camel reproductive biotechnology in the United Arab Emirates. Beginning with foundational work in bovine embryo transfer at the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB), he contributed to the establishment of integrated embryo transfer laboratories, optimisation of super ovulation and embryo recovery protocols, and the production of India’s first ethylene glycol direct frozen embryo-transfer calf. His academic advancement, including a Master’s degree in Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics, together with specialised international training in embryo transfer, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), Ultra sound guided ovum pick up (OPU) and sex-sorted semen technology, strengthened his technical and research expertise. In 2010, he transitioned to camel reproductive programs in the UAE, where, at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and later at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, he established and directed Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) initiatives in dromedary camels, achieving average embryo recovery rates of six viable embryos per super ovulation and approximately 60% embryo transfer success. While camel embryo transfer and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) were already being practiced in a limited number of specialised centres, his role focused on strengthening, systematising, and supporting SCNT-related embryo production and transfer programs within structured laboratory and field frameworks. Beyond technical contributions, his work encompasses institutional development, laboratory accreditation, formulation of minimum standard protocols, and capacity building through national and international training, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing applied reproductive biotechnology for genetic improvement and conservation in desert-adapted species.
Camel production is very important in the Sudan and Butana plain (BP) due to high population, reputed breeds and socioeconomic impacts. However, camel contribution to milk and meat production and the national economy is less than expected due to many obstacles. Nutrition is a main constraint for camel production as it depends mainly on rangeland, which is deteriorating for many reasons. In addition, modern nutritional concepts such as the new protein systems are not applied. Butana plain, Gadarif State is a very important camel grazing area, but there is no available information on rangeland characteristics in the area to allow better exploitation and conservation. Consequently, rangeland characteristics including plants inventory, density, frequency distribution and biomass were studied in the northern and southern areas of Butana plain, Gadarif State, Sudan using a 1x1m iron quadrate. Data was statically analysed according to the completely randomised design. Plant diversity was very high in the area and in the southern area (34 and 33 plants, respectively). The plants were in 20 families, mainly Poaceae, and all families were found in the southern area. Plants inventory, families, density and grasses and forbs frequency distribution and fresh and dry biomass varied highly between areas and month. Plants and family numbers were highest in September and least in August. Plants numbers were highest in the southern area in September and October and in the northern area in August. Plants density was higher in the southern area in all month and was highest in August and least in October in the two areas. The study demonstrated higher plants numbers, diversity, density and biomass.
General anaesthesia is widely used as a method of chemical restraint for various diagnostic procedures as well as for both major and minor surgical interventions. In camelid practice, general anaesthesia may be required for several clinical procedures, including exploratory laparotomy in colicky calves (crias), castration of adult llamas, and surgical exploration of fistulous tracts. However, anaesthetic management of camelids can present challenges because of their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, stress responses, and airway management considerations. Similar to other domestic species, general anaesthesia in both New World camelids (llamas and alpacas) and Old World camelids (camels) may be induced and maintained using injectable anaesthetic agents, inhalational anaesthetics, or a combination of both. Several drugs including xylazine, guaifenesin, ketamine, thiopental, halothane, and isoflurane have been widely used for sedation and general anaesthesia in camelids. Recent studies have further evaluated the physiological responses and clinical outcomes associated with various anaesthetic protocols, including total intravenous anaesthesia and multimodal analgesia in camelids undergoing surgical procedures. Several classes of drugs are used as premedicants in camelids, including a2-adrenergic agonists, opioids, tranquilizers, and anticholinergic agents. Other a2-adrenergic agonists such as romifidine, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine have also been investigated for sedation and premedication in camelids. Butorphanol, a mixed agonist–antagonist opioid, is commonly used in camelids as analgesics and are frequently combined with a2-agonists to enhance analgesia and improve sedation. Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) represents a practical and effective alternative to inhalational anaesthesia. Intravenous anaesthetic protocols are commonly used for short to moderate duration procedures such as castration, wound management, orthopedic interventions, and exploratory surgery. Appropriate drug selection, dosage, and monitoring are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe anaesthetic management in camels.
