Performance and Specific Characteristics of Balochistan Camel Breeds

Abstract

This study is amid to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative performance of camels of Balochistan Pakistan. The key purpose is to disparate the focus of scientists, livestock policy makers and NGO’s managers on this neglected species that is conferred with excavated potentials. Camel is major and abundance specie of province with 41% of total camel population of Pakistan. The recognized breeds of Balochistan are eight (Brahvi, Kachhi, Kharani, Lassi, Makrani, Rodbari, Pishin and Kohi breed) out of twenty breeds of Pakistan. This study discovered that Kachhi breed is a riverine camel while other is mountainous camels. Rodbari breed had highest birth weight (48.58kg) among other breeds while the weaning weight (118.83kg) is high in Kharani breed and Adult weight (712kg) is high in Pishin breed. The milk yield per lactation (2049liter) is high in Kachhi breed and lactation length (579.18 days) is high in Brahvi breed. Age of puberty female camel (1282.6 days) and age of first breeding (1575.7 days) are delay in Brahvi breed. Gestation period (405.53 days) is high in Makrani breed and dry period (369.12 days) is long in Brahvi breed. Calving interval (787.65 days) is long in Rodbari breed. Age at puberty for male camel is long in Pishin breed and peak rutting vigor (128.54 days) is more in Kohi breed. Duration for copulation (25.38 mints) is high in Brahvi breed. The study is concluded that camel is most important specie arid, semi-arid and desert areas like in Balochistan. The camel of this province can be improved with application of specific latest molecular etchings regarding selection breeding programs which can cover the delay maturity, low conception rate and long calving interval period.