Reproductive performance of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) under an intensive management system

To evaluate the reproductive performance of the camel herd at the Camel Research Centre, records over 20 years were collected and analysed. The effects of camel breeds and ages on the reproductive performance were included in the study. The results revealed that, the overall mean values of ages at first mating, conception and calving were 39.75±0.61; 41.82±0.64 and 54.39±0.64 months, respectively. The overall means of the corresponding body weights were 437.17±6.75, 450.16±7.57 and 519.03±6.86 kg, respectively. Camel breeds have a significant effect (P<0.05) on the body weight at first calving. The overall mean of the interval between services was 19.32±0.26 days, with no significant effects of camel breeds and ages. The overall period of post-partum heat was 45.39±2.57 days and was influenced significantly by camel breeds. The overall means of the service period and open days were 74.58±3.62 and 317.61±4.54 days, respectively, and both of camel breeds and ages had a significant effect on these criteria. Camel ages had significant effect on the number of services/conception and this indicated that medium ages (5–11 years) needs less service for conception than other ages. Service period and number of services/conception were significantly less during November to January mating months than that during February to April. The overall mean of calving interval was 19.70±0.34 months. Camel breeds and successive calving seasons had no significant effect on the calving interval. In conclusion, reproductive performance of Dromedary camels depends essentially on the camel breeds and ages.