G. Muhammad1, M. Sarwar and M. Sharif
1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine working conditions and nutritional status of pneumatic cart pulling camels in Faisalabad metropolis. For this purpose, 200 owners of pneumatic cart pulling camels of Faisalabad meteropolis were interviewed during 7 years study period. Data were collected by veterinarians on a pre-designed proforma. Working conditions were judged through recording weight hauled, number of loads per day, distance traveled by the camel during work, number of working days per week, condition during work, sweating and behaviour during work. Information regarding feeding, salt and water intakes was also recorded. It was observed that draught camel hauled 2400-6000 kg per load with 1-4 loads and 2-20 km distance per day. Average net profit during working days (5-7 days per week) was Rs 403 per day. Majority of the camels (67) had moderate body conditions, exhibited some degree of distress when at work. Average fodder (alfalfa) consumption ranged from 40-60 kg per day and after fodder feeding; 73 percent of the draught camel owners put their camels to work while 27 percent didn’t. Water consumption was higher during summer (2-4 times per day) while lower during winter (once per 3-4 days). Majority (88%) of the owners fed salt to their camels in rations while 12% fed common salt separately. This study revealed that working conditions and nutritional aspects of pneumatic cart pulling camels in Faisalabad metropolis were different from those found in desert or semi-desert areas of the world.
Key words: Camel, cart, draught power, nutrition, Pakistan
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