M.B. Mostafa1 and A.H. Khalil2
Department of Veterinary Surgery, Aanesthesiology and Radiology,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt¹ and Banha University²
ABSTRACT
Linear and angular limb conformations were carried on 208 camels of different breeds and sex using goniometer and software Auto CAD program 2013. Measurements of normal conformation in the fore and hind limbs showed the shoulder lengths in camels were nearly equal to the fore arm length. Thigh and gaskins lengths were found nearly equal in the hind limbs and the hind cannon were larger in length compared to the fore cannon. The recorded conformation traits were carpus valgus; calf knees; base wide, toe out and sloppy and upright pastern in the fore limbs. Cow, straight and sickle hocks, base wide, toe out sloppy and upright pastern were seen in the hind limbs. The mean normal angles for shoulder, elbow, carpal and pastern angles in the fore limbs and hip, stifle joints, hock and pastern joints in hind limbs were determined. The abnormal joint angles displayed carpal valgus and calf knees and these showed significant (p<0.05) decrease when compared with normal camels. Cow hocks and sickle hocks had significant (p<0.05) decrease value compare with the normal values. Sloppy pastern these showed significant (p<0.05) decrease while upright pastern had significant (p<0.05) increased value as compared with normal values. Objective conformation parameters in the present study established base line measurements for breeders and veterinarian for selecting camels with good conformations and performance.
Key words: Biometry camel, Camelus dromedarius, conformation, limbs, measurement, traits
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