Non-genetic factors influencing reproductive traits and calving weight in Saudi camels |
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| Authors: | Sallal E Almutairi Ismaïl Boujenane Abdelgader Musaad Falah Awad-Acharari |
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| Institution: | 1.Camel Breeding, Protection and Improvement Project,Camel & Range Research Center,Al Jouf,Saudi Arabia;2.Department of Animal Production and Biotechnology,Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II,Rabat,Morocco |
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| Abstract: | Reproductive traits and calving weight were assessed in Saudi camels, and non-genetic factors influencing them were studied
using data collected at Al Jouf centre from 1987 to 2009. Age at first conception, age at first calving, open period, calving
interval, gestation length and weight at calving of camels averaged 42.3 months, 54.8 months, 10.6 months, 22.6 months, 377.5 days
and 591.9 kg, respectively. A mixed model including the camel as a random effect was used to assess the effect of environmental
effects on the traits studied. Age at first conception and age at first calving were affected by camel’s birth year. Open
period and calving interval were not affected by parity or year of calving. However, camels that calved from October to February
had a calving interval of 2.5 months higher than those that calved from March to September. Gestation length was affected
by season and year of calving but not by parity or sex of calf. Camels calving from March to September had a gestation length
6.6 days shorter than those calving from October to February. Weight at calving was affected by parity and year of calving
but not by season of calving. It was concluded that an improvement in camel reproductive traits is possible both through improving
management systems and utilisation of controlled breeding techniques. |
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