Author Archives: sukahumbu

Dahlborn, K., Benlamlih, S., Zine, F.R., Guerouali, A., Hossaini, H.J. and Oukessou, M. (1992). Food deprivation and refeeding in the camel. The American Physiological Society. 262 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 31 :1000 – 1005. Engelhardt, W., Haarmeyer, P. and Lechner-Doll, M. (2006). Feed intake, forestomach fluid volume, dilution rate and mean retention of fluid in […]

Trypanosomiasis Not all trypanosomiasis parasites are transmitted by the tsetse fly. Trypanosoma evansi (thryps) is a very serious camel parasite mostly spread by biting flies. The parasite replicates in camels, horses, dogs, cattle, water-buffaloes and elephants. Equines and dogs are susceptible and usually die from the infection. Cattle sheep, goats and antelopes often become infected and act […]

Management differ among different camel keeping societies, but all try to keep a predominantly female herd. The camels are usually kept in thorny enclosures over night, where they can be inspected, milked and generally looked after and kept safe from predators.  Where camels are kept as part of a mixed herd, the watering intervals follow the […]

The importance of good nutrition in camels Nutrition of the camel is fundamental to growth, reproduction and production. Optimum nutrition is essential for it has a profound impact on fertility, foetal growth, birth weight and also the future milk yield. Good nutrition implies that the camel must get sufficient proteins, energy, roughage, minerals and water. […]

What the herder/helper* should do Why Separate the camel from the rest of the herd and keep it in the boma  You can keep a close eye on her Be near the camel  She might need assistance In case of difficult calving, pull out the calf gently (after washing hands and equip- ment thoroughly) This […]

Characteristics of good breeding bull and female  Bull  High milk production capability among daughters Fast growth rate Good body conformation (tall, large body frame and well built), upright in standing, high ability to chase and mount females and Adaptable to the environment (feed availability, terrain suitability etc) Female History of producing high milk volume  No history of diseases […]

The 3 main breeds of camel found in Kenya are Somali, Rendille/Gabbra and Turkana. These are kept by communities who bear the same names as those of the breed. There is a fourth breed of camel called Pakistani which was imported from Pakistan into Laikipia ranches in Kenya in the early 1990s. However, only a […]

Introduction Origin of camels, including dromedaries Camels are thought to have been introduced into East Africa by Somali speaking communities over 1000 years ago. These early pastoralists also had cattle, sheep and goats, but camels were better adapted to the dry climate and deteriorating rangeland of Northern Kenya and other dry areas of Africa. They […]