Camels and Camelids

ANALYSIS OF HAIR QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF MEWARI AND JALORI CAMELS MANAGED UNDER NATURAL HABITAT

Journal Edition: December 2021
Article DOI: 10.5958/2277-8934.2021.00055.2
Published On: 13-12-2021 21:22

S.C. Mehta and S.S. Dahiya
ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Post Box-07, Bikaner-334001, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

The hair quality attributes of two important Indian dromedary breeds viz. Mewari and Jalori, managed under natural habitat were analysed. Fifty and 49 samples were collected from the mid body side region of Mewari and Jalori camels, respectively. The average fibre diameter was 40.44±2.14 μ in Mewari breed as compared to 42.49±2.31 μ in Jalori breed. The fibre diameter was significantly (P<0.05) less among calves up to 1 year of age (31.55±2.72 μ) as compared to the higher age groups of 1-4 years’ age (43.68±2.84 μ) and above 4 years’ age (43.41±2.20 μ). The quality of fibre was assessed on the basis of medullation. The pure fibres were 4.87±0.73% in Mewari and 8.17±2.08% in Jalori with non-significant (P>0.05) effect of breed, sex and age groups. The hetero and hairy fibres were 25.46±2.21 % and 69.67±2.82 % in Mewari camels and 38.37±2.95 % and 53.32±3.62 % in Jalori camels, respectively with significant (P<0.01) effect of breed. The average staple length was 5.65±0.23 cm in Mewari (n=47) and 6.66±0.35 cm in Jalori (n=33) with significant (P<0.01) effect of breed. The study reveals that the quality of fibre produced by Jalori breed is better than that of the Mewari breed. In general, the calf hair can be optimally utilised in making outer wear and decorative handicraft items. The medium quality clippings can be used for making blankets, carpets, rugs and wall hangings whereas the clippings rich in hairy fibre can be utilised in making strings and lace for making designer garments. The study presents the fibre attributes of the two Indian dromedary breeds for the first time.
Key words: Camel hair, fibre characteristics, Jalori, medullation, Mewari