AGB 211: Livestock and Poultry Breeding (2+1)

BREEDS OF CAMEL

The camel in India are single humped (Camelus dromedaries) although a very small number (about 100) of double-humped camel (Camelus bactrinus) are also present. Camel are used for transportation and agricultural operations. There are a total of 9 breeds (Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri, Kachchhi, Marwari, Mewari, Sindhi, Shekhawati, Mewati and Malvi)

Bikaneri

• This breed has been developed by selective inter-breeding of Sindhi (reddish colour), Baluchi (head and stop), Afghan (hair on eyes, ears and throat) and indigenous camels. It is a multipurpose breed but the camels of this breed have been classified as baggage type due to their higher potential to carry loads. They have a slight dome shaped head. The forehead has well marked depression above the eyes, known as “stop”. The ‘stop’ causes the nose to tilt upwards with the forehead, this gives an alert, intelligent and dignified look. Some camels of this breed have a luxuriant growth of black hairs on their eyebrows, eyelids and ears, they are called as ‘JHEEPRAS’ in local dialect.
• The coat colour of this breed varies from dark brown to light brown and from light red to dark red. The chest pad or pedestal is well developed and placed between angles of elbow and is about 10-cm in diameter. The camels of this breed are of good height, strong in build and of active habits. Neck is medium sized, fairly erect, with a marked curve giving a graceful carriage to the head. Nostrils are slit and placed obliquely, muzzle and chin are small and tight Shoulders are strong, broad and well set to the chest. Adult body weight is about 613 Kg with males weighing 670 Kg and females 556 Kg.

Jaisalmeri

• The ‘Jaisalmeri’ camels have been developed from the Tharparkar camels of the adjoining Sindh area of Pakistan. Jaisalmeri breed is well known for racing potential. They are shorter and lighter than Bikaneri camels. No distinct “stop” and no hairs on eyebrows, eyelids and ears (JHEEPRAS). Mostly are light brown in colour. Have a thin skin and short hairs on body. Small head well carried on a thin neck and prominent eyes. Adult body weight is about 568 Kg with males weighing 580 Kg. and females 556 Kg.

Kachchhi

• Kachchhi breed is well known for milk production. Camels of this breed are heavy, dull in appearance and are said to be ugly looking. No distinct “STOP” and no hairs on eyebrows, eyelids and ears (JHEEPRAS). The Kachchhi camels are stouter and little shorter than Bikaneri. They have strong hindquarters, heavy legs, hard and thick pads and coarse body hairs. Adult body weight is about 575 Kg with males weighing 638 Kg and females 512 Kg.

Double humbed (Bacterian camel)

• A small population exist in Nubra valley, Ladakh. The humps are plump and pliable. During the late winter when pastures are scanty, the humps collapse. Skull bone is comparatively shorter and wider than dromedary camel. The body of the camel is short and stout. The body color varies from light brown to dark brown. Long hairs grow on the top of the head, along lower part of the neck, hump and legs. The adult body weight varies from 450 to 550 kg. The male animals are heavier than female.