Phenotypic characteristics of Sudanese camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Phenotypic descriptions data were obtained from camel ecotypes from different regions in Sudan. The purpose of this study was to characterize and describe some of Sudanese camel breeds according to their morphological traits.

The results of this study showed that most ecotypes (Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia, Maganeen, Butana, Kabashi and Lahwee camel) presented similar morphological features vis: grey, brown, yellow color, large, heavily built animals with a developed hump and large to medium size of udder and teats. These ecotypes are classified as pack (heavy) camels. However; although the Rashaidi camel was also classified as a pack camel; exhibited different phenotypic characteristics (dark grey, pinkish red color, light weight and a shorter height at shoulders) compared to former ecotypes. On the other hand; Anafi and Bishari breeds have similar features (white, yellowish color and light weight) and classified as riding and racing camels. The study concluded that the Arabi camel (Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia, Maganeen and Lahwee camel) has better performance and higher milk production and considered as dual purpose camel (meat and milk). Also the study add great value for national and to preserve indigenous breeds, then these information can be useful to design of camel breed conservation program in Sudan.

Introduction

The last estimation of camel population in the Sudan was about 3908 thousand heads (Ministry of Animal Resources 2005). Sudan has the second highest world size of the camel population. Camels constitute 22% of the animal biomass in Sudan and 26.3% of the numbers of camel in the Arab world (Sakr and Majid 1998). Camels in Sudan are spread in a belt configuration; it extends between latitude 12^◦N to 16^◦N (Wardeh 1989). Moreover; camels in Sudan are concentrated in two main regions; the Eastern States, where camels are found in the Butana plain and the Red Sea hills, and Western regions are found Darfour and Kordofan Agab (1993). Sudanese camels belong to the species Camelus dromedarius. These camels are owned and raised by nomadic tribes, who migrate north and south according to the season in search of water and pasture and escape from insects. Camels in the Sudan and elsewhere are classified as pack (heavy) and riding (light) types according to the function they perform and probably as a result of selection applied for these traits by the various camel-keeping tribes. The Sudanese heavy type constitutes the majority of the camels kept by nomads in Sudan. In this group two types can be identified on the basis of conformation and tribal ownership: The Arab and Rashaidi camels. On the other hand, the riding camels are restricted to the north-east of the country between the Nile and Red Sea. Two main types are recognized, namely Anafi and Red Sea Hills (Bishari) camels (El-Fadel 1986). Wardeh (2004) classified dromedary camels into four major classes: beef, dairy, dual purpose and race camel. This classification is based on the fact that the camel is a major component of the agro-pastoral systems in the Asia and Africa. The purpose of this study was to characterize and describe some of Sudanese camel breeds according to their morphological traits; furthermore, the value of this work will add great value for national and to preserve indigenous breeds.

Materials and methods

Study areas and animals

The study was covered all camel areas in Sudan (except Darfur stats) in a belt that extends between latitudes 12◦N - 16◦N (Figure 1.). Kenani camel breed homeland is Sinnar state, while Rashaidi, Lahwee, Anafi and Bishari breeds are located in Gadaref state. Butana camel is raised and bred in the Butana plains (Gezira state). Kabbashi, Maalia, Maganeen and Shanabli camels are found in North Kordofan state.

Data collection

General descriptive information of different camel breeds were obtained by using questionnaires, which filled by direct interviews and group discussion with camel keepers. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information on general characteristics and descriptions of camels such as body colour, hair length and distribution, hump size and location, rump profile, tail base and length, ear size and orientation, teat and udder size. Some of the information collected during the interviews were supported by observation.

Body measurements

Body measurements of 274 mature and unrelated camels of the different breeds were taken for characterization. The studied measurements were:

Body weights of animals were estimated according to the Boue (1949) formula as follows:

Statistical analysis

Body measurements data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (SPSS for windows, release 15, 2006). The statistical model used was:
Y_ij= µ +B_i +e_ij

The separation of the means was made according to Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT).

Results

Phenotypic measurements of Sudanese camels were shown in Table 1; while phenotypic descriptions are presented in Table 2 and Table 3. The analysis of variance results revealed that the studied phenotypic measurements were influenced by breed. Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia and Maganeen camels recorded highest values of heart girth, shoulder height and body weight; while Rashaidi, Anafi and Bishari camels had lowest values of the above traits. Moreover; the result showed that Rashaidi and Shanbali camels had highest values of barrel girth; while Kabbashi camel recorded lowest value of the same trait.

Table 1. Means and standard deviation (M ± SD) of phenotypic measurements among different Sudanese camel breeds
Breed	No.	Barrel girth (m)	Heart girth (m)	Shoulder height (m)	Body weight (kg)
Kenani	31	2.48^cd ± 0.23	2.07^b ± 0.10	1.95^d ± 0.08	492^cd ± 71.0
Rashaidi	30	2.56^d ± 0.23	1.94^a ± 0.08	1.76^a ± 0.07	423^a ± 65.9
Lahwee	30	2.51^cd ± 0.20	1.98^a ± 0.08	1.84^b ± 0.07	444^ab ± 50.7
Anafi	30	2.39^bc ± 0.23	1.95^a ± 0.08	1.84^b ± 0.08	416^a ± 58.2
Bishari	30	2.36^ab ± 0.19	1.94^a ± 0.10	1.84^b ± 0.07	410^a ± 65.2
Kabbashi	34	2.25^a ± 0.26	1.98^a ± 0.12	1.91^cd ± 0.09	451^abc ± 86.0
Maganeen	16	2.42^bc ± 0.23	2.08^b ± 0.19	1.92^cd ± 0.09	473^bcd ± 82.2
Shanbali	29	2.60^d ± 0.21	2.06^b ± 0.13	1.91^cd ± 0.08	506^d ± 83.0
Maalia	12	2.29^ab ± 0.23	2.12^b ± 0.14	2.00^e ± 0.11	479^bcd ± 102
Butana	32	2.40^bc ± 0.19	1.94^a ± 0.11	1.88^bc ± 0.08	446^ab ± 62.7
Overall	274	2.44 ± 0.24	1.99 ± 0.12	1.88 ± 0.10	451 ± 77.1
Level of sig.		*	*	*	*
SEM		0.04	0.02	0.2	14.41
^a,b,c Means with the same letters are significantly not different P<0.05.
* Significant P<0.001
SEM Standard error of mean

Table 2. Phenotypic descriptions of the Kenani, Rashaidi, Lahwee, Annafi and Bishari camel breed in the Sudan
Breed	Kenani	Rashaidi	Lahawee	Anafi	Bishari
Body color	Dark brown, grey	Reddish, dark grey	Red, brown, yellowish	White, yellowish	White
Color pattern	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform
Hair length	Medium, long	Short, medium	Medium	Short	Short
Wool distribution	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body
Face profile	Flat	Flat	Convex	Flat	Concave
Rump profile	Roomy	Flat	Slopping	Flat	Flat
Hump size	Large, medium	Small, medium	Large	Small	Small, medium
Hump orientation	Erect	Erect	Erect, bent sideways	Erect	Erect
Hump location	Middle, to the back	Middle	Middle	Middle, to the back	Middle
Ears size	Large	Large	Large	Large	Medium
Ears orientation	Erect	Backward	Erect	Forward	Backward, erect
Tail base	Thick	Thin	Thick	Thin	Thin
Tail length	Long	Medium	Medium	Long	Long
Udder size	Large, medium	Large	Medium, large	Rudimentary	Rudimentary
Teat size	Large, medium	Large	Medium, large	Rudimentary	Rudimentary

It is also known as the Rufaa camel. The breed is found in Sinnar and Blue Nile states and is owned by Rufaa, Agilieen, Dighame and Kenana tribes. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Kenani camel are are 2.48 ± 0.23 m, 2.07 ± 0.10 m, 1.95 ± 0.08 m, 1.95 ± 0.08 m and 492 ± 71.0 kg respectively (Table 1). The predominant colors of these camels are dark brown, grey and yellowish. They are characterized by long hair covering the whole body especially on the hump and neck. In these camels the hump is well developed, located in the middle of the back. The udder and teat size is large to medium and with a well developed milk vein. In dry seasons (winter and summer) the camels are usually found in the south of Sinnar state and North Blue Nile state. However, in the wet season the owners migrate with their camels to the north Sinnar state and White Nile state near Diweim town (Table 2. and Photo 1.).

Rashaidi camel

Found in eastern Sudan (Gadaref and Kassala states), bred by Rashaida nomadic tribe which migrated from Saudi Arabia to Sudan. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of these camels are 2.56 ± 0.23 m, 1.94 ± 0.08 m, 1.76 ± 0.07 m and 423 ± 65.9 kg respectively (Table 1). The dominant colors of these camels are dark grey and pinkish red. These camels are characterized by being shorter in height at shoulders; lighter in weight and have an outstanding ability to survive in drought conditions (harsh environment). The hair of the camels is short to medium; and they have a small size hump, large and well developed udder and teats (Table 2. and Photo 2.). In dry seasons these camels are found in Al-showak and Gabat Al-feel (Gadaref state) and move to the north from New Halfa town (Kassala state) in the wet season.

Lahwee camel

This breed is found in Gadaref state and is bred by Lahween tribe. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Lahwee camel are are 2.51 ± 0.20 m, 1.98 ± 0.08 m, 1.84 ± 0.07 m and 444 ± 50.7 kg respectively (Table 1). The distinguishing colors are brown, red and yellowish. The hair is of medium length, the hump is centrally placed with an erect or bent to the side orientation and the size of udder and teat is medium (Table 2. and Photo 3.). These camels are usually found in Al-showak and Gabat Al-feel (Gadaref state) in dry seasons and move to Al-soubag area in the wet season.

Table 3. Phenotypic descriptions of the Kabbashi, Maganeen, Shanbali, Maalia and Butana camel breed in the Sudan
Breed	Kabbashi	Maganeen	Shanbali	Maalia	Butana
Body color	Red, grey, yellow	Grey, red, yellowish	Brown, red, grey, yellow	Red, grey, yellow	Red, grey
Color pattern	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform	Uniform
Hair length	Medium, long	Short, medium	Long	Long	Short, medium
Hair straightness	Curly	Straight	Straight	Straight	Straight
Wool distribution	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body	Whole body
Face profile	Flat	Flat	Flat	Flat	Flat
Rump profile	Flat	Roomy	Roomy	Roomy	Flat
Hump size	Small	Large	Large	Large	Medium
Hump orientation	Erect	Erect	Erect, bent sideways	Erect	Erect, bent sideways
Hump location	Middle	Middle, to the back	Middle	Middle	Middle, to the front
Ears size	Medium	Medium	Medium	Large	Large
Ears orientation	Erect	Erect	Erect	Erect	Erect
Tail base	Thin	Thick	Thick	Thick	Thick
Tail length	Short, medium	Long	Long	Long	Long
Udder size	Medium	Large	Large	Large	Medium
Teat size	Medium	Large	Large	Large	Medium

Anafi camel

This type of camel is generally found in Gadaref state (eastern Sudan); Gezira and Sinnar states (Central Sudan). This breed is always found in small numbers and raised with other types of camels. It is owned by Rshaida and Lahween tribes (Gadaref state), Shukria, Bataheen and Ahameda tribes (Gazira State), Rufaa and Kenana tribes (Sinnar state). The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Anafi camel are 2.39 ± 0.23 m, 1.95 ± 0.08 m, 1.84 ± 0.08 m and 416 ± 58.2 kg respectively (Table 1). The white color is predominant in this breed, but animals with yellowish color are also found. The hair is short and soft and the hump is small, erect and located in the middle to the back. The animals have small size udders and teats (Table 2. and Photo 4.).

Bishari camel

Mainly found in eastern Sudan (Kassala and Gadaref states). It is bred by Bishareen, Amarar, Beni Amir and Hadendowa tribes; it was also bred with other tribes (Shukria and Lahween) in small numbers with other types. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of these camels are 2.36 ± 0.19 m, 1.94 ± 0.10 m, 1.84 ± 0.08 m and 410 ± 65.2 kg respectively (Table 1). This breed is distinguished by its white or yellowish coat color, short hair and concave face profile. The hump size is small to medium, located in the middle of the back, and with erect orientation. The udder and teats of Bishari camel are characterized as being of small size (Table 2. and Photo 5.).

Kabbashi camel

This breed is found in North Kordofan state owned by Kababish tribe. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Kabbashi camel are 2.25 ± 0.26, 1.98 ± 0.12 m, 1.91 ± 0.09 m and 451 ± 86.0 kg respectively (Table 1). The main colors of this breed are grey, red and yellow. The hair length is medium or long, the hump size is small; with erect orientation and located in the middle of the back and the udders and teats size is medium (Table 2. and Photo 6.). The Kawahla and Hamar camel have similar features to the Kabbashi camel. These camels' owners reside near Al-obied town in the dry season and move to the north (Soudari area) in the wet season.

Maganeen camel

Found in North Kordofan state, bred by the Maganeen tribe. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Maganeen camel are 2.42 ± 0.23 m, 2.08 ± 0.19 m, 1.92 ± 0.09 m and 473 ± 82.2 kg respectively (Table 1). The dominant colors are grey, red and yellowish. The hair length is short to medium. The camels have a large size hump with an erect orientation, located in the middle to the back. They have large udders and teats and have straight, short and medium hair length (Table 3. and Photo 7.). Some of this camel's owners migrate in the dry seasons to South Kordofan state near Kadugli and return to Al-mazroob area in the wet season. Other owners stay in Al-mazroob in the dry season and move north to Gabel Al-ain in the wet season.

Shanbali camel

This camel is found in North and South Kordofan states. It is bred by Shanabela and Awamera tribes; who move with their camels between the two states in different seasons. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Shanbali camel are 2.60 ± 0.21 m, 2.06 ± 0.13 m, 1.91 ± 0.08 m and 506 ± 83.0 kg respectively (Table 1). The main colors of the breed are brown, red, grey and yellow; the hair is straight and long, and the hump is well developed, centrally placed with erect or bent sideways orientation (Table 3. and Photo 8.). This camel breed is characterized by heavy weight. The owners of these camels migrate in the dry seasons to South Kordofan state near Kadugli and return to Al-mazroob area in the wet season.

Maalia camel

This breed of camel is found in North and South Kordofan states. It is bred by Maalia and Maagela tribes. These tribes spend the dry season in South Kordofan state (near Kadugli and Daleng towns) and move to North Kordofan state (Almazroob area) in the wet season. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of these camels are 2.29 ± 0.23 m, 2.12 ± 0.14 m, 2.00 ± 0.11 m and 479 ± 102 kg respectively (Table 1). The camel color varies between red, grey and yellow; the hair is long and straight; the hump is large and well developed, located in the middle; with erect orientation and the udders and teats are of large size (Table 3. and Photo 9.). This camel is quite high at shoulders. The Maalia tribe migrate with their camels in the dry seasons to South Kordofan state near Kadugli and return to Al-mazroob area in the wet season.

Butana camel

This camel breed is found in the Butana plains (east of Gezira state). These camels have different names depending on the tribe of owners. It is bred by Shukria, Ahameda, Magareba and Bataheen tribes. The averages barrel girth, chest girth, height at shoulder and body weight of Butana camel are 2.40 ± 0.19 m, 1.94 ± 0.11 m, 1.88 ± 0.08 m and 446 ± 62.7 kg respectively (Table 1). The red and grey are distinguishing colors of this breed. The hair length is short to medium; the hump size is medium, with erect or sideways orientation and located in the middle to the front of back (Table 3. and Photo 10.). In the dry season (Nov. - June) these camels are to be found near Tambool town, while in the wet season they are found in Al-soubag area.

Discussion

The results of this work showed that the body measurements such as barrel girth, heart girth, height at shoulder and body weight were significantly affected by breed of camel. However; phenotypic descriptions results revealed that most ecotypes generally have more or less similar morphological features (grey, brown, yellow color, large size, heavily built animals with a developed hump) except for the Rashaidi, Anafi and Bishari breeds. These former ecotypes are classified as pack (heavy) camels and called Arabi camel. Gillespie (1962) reported that the pack camel comprises 90% of the total number of camels in Sudan. It is characterized by large, heavily built body, with capacity for developing a relatively large hump and includes the Arabi type and Rashaidi camel. He also explained that the Arabi type is subdivided into three breed types (light Pack, big Arabi and heavy Arabi). The Arabi camels in this study can be grouped into the above three types. Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia and Maganeen camels can be classified as heavy Arabi type; while Kabbashi and Lahwee camels may be grouped in the big Arabi type; the Butana can be considered a light pack type. The Rashaidi camel is also classified as a pack camel but it has different phenotypic characteristics (dark grey, pinkish red color, light weight and short height at shoulders) compared to other Sudanese pack camels. This camel breed is probably genetically different from the other pack camels of the Sudan because of its relatively recent migration from Saudia Arabia and until now it has not cross bred to any large extent with local breeds. Moreover, this breed was found to have large size udders and well developed milk vein which may qualify it to be classified as a dairy camel. These findings are similar to those reported by Wardeh (2004).

Regarding the udder and teat features, Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia, Maganeen and Lahwee camel have well developed udders (large to medium size). This explains their good performance and ability in milk production and may be classified as dual purpose camels. Wardeh (2004) classified all Sudanese Arabi camels as dual purpose. The semi intensive farms of camel milk production around cities in Sudan use the Shanbali camel breed for milk production in flying herds, an indication of the ability of Shanbali camel (Arabi camel) in milk production. Further studies are needed to investigate and evaluate the performance of Shanbali camel and other Arbi breeds for milk production.

The results of phenotypic descriptions also showed that the Anafi and Bishari breeds have similar features (white, yellowish color and light weight). Different crosses of Anafi camel with pack camels (Lahwee, Kenani, Butana and Rashaidi) were found in Gadaref, Gazira and Sinnar states. This is probably because Anafi camel is not usually bred in separate herds; but rather always bred with other camel types. The Bishari camel is stronger and slightly heavier than the Anafi camel, and it is bred in pure herds and with other types (Lahwee and Rashaidi camels) in eastern Sudan. Anafi camel is faster than Bishari camel, but reputed to be not suitable for long distance riding.

In the past; all researchers and scientists considered that the camels of Kordofan states (North and South) as one group called it Kabbashi camels. However; the present study divided these camels in subgroups or ecotypes according to camel-keeping tribes vis: Kabbashi, Shanbali, Maalia and Maganeen camels. The study revealed that there are significant differences between these four ecotypes in body measurements; however; these differences are might be due to continues inbreeding among these ecotypes and migration routes adopted by camel-keepers; this also reflects the genetic variation among those ecotypes.

Generally this study reveals that the Arabi camel (Shanbali, Kenani, Maalia, Maganeen and Lahwee camel) have good performance and ability in milk production according to its udders and teats features and conformation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the performance of these camels for milk and meat production.

The results of this study showed phenotypic variations among these breeds or ecotypes could be reflecting the genetic differences. Further studies with large numbers of animals include those camels in Darfour states to carry out deep phenotypic and molecular characterization of Sudanese camels then use this information to design programs for camel conservation in Sudan.

Conclusions and recommendations

References

Agab H 1993 Epidemology of Camel Diseases in Eastern Sudan with Emphasis on Brucellosis. M.V.Sc. Thesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum

Boue A 1949 Weight determination in the North African Dromedary. Rev. Elev. Vet. Pays trop. N.S. 3, 13-16

El-Fadel S A 1986 Study on the mechanism of resistance to camel diseases. Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Agricultural Science. GeorgeAugust-university, Gottingen

Gillepsie I A 1962 Riding Camels of Sudan. Sud. J. V. Sci. Anim. Hus. 3:37-4

Ministry of Animal Resources 2005 Department of Statistics and Information, Khartoum-Sudan

Sakr I H and Majid A M 1990 The social economic of camel herders in eastern Sudan. The camel applied research and development network/CARDN/ACSAD/Camel/p30/ 1-27

Wardeh M F 1989 Arabian Camels: Origin, Breeds and Husbandary. Al-Mallah Publ., Damascus. 500 pp. (Arabic)

Wardeh M F 2004 Classification of the Dromedary Camels. J. Camel Science.1:1-7