Recent advances in dromedary camels and their products : editorial
Abstract
Dromedary camels or, more specifically, one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), are described as having a high productive potential, and for centuries, they have been used by people (namely nomads) in arid and hot regions as multipurpose animals for physical labor, transport, the production of milk, meat, wool, hair, and skin, and for racing and tourism. Camels are widespread in the arid regions of the east of Asia to the North of Africa, with an overall population that is estimated to be around 30 million animals. Due global climate changes that are characterized by a continuous increase in desertification, changing and high temperatures as well as drought, it is important to reconsider the dromedary camel as one of the most adapted and sustainable animals that can be used to overcome such challenging environmental conditions. Indeed, several recent reports have highlighted that due to the advancement of the desert world, the dromedary camel will be the main animal that survives as the best source livestock for future agriculture and for the animal production sector, mainly by playing a significant role in achieving the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, compared to other livestock species, dromedaries have received less attention by the scientific community. In this context, a better understanding of the behavioral and physiological properties of dromedary camels is a prerequisite to facilitate ideal way to harness their natural advantages, especially under intensive farming systems. Thus, this Special Issue aimed to gather studies on recent advances in dromedary camels and their products (milk and meat).
Domains
Animal production studies
Origin : Publisher files allowed on an open archive
Licence : CC BY - Attribution
Licence : CC BY - Attribution