Vol. 12, Issue 2 (2023)

Author(s):
Subhita Kumari, Sanjita Sharma, Artbandu Sahoo, RK Sawal, Navav Singh and Sunita Khurav

Abstract:
Scientific knowledge concerning dromedary camel behaviour and welfare is still limited. To date, providing pens with adequate shaded areas is not regulated in camel husbandry. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of change in diet on behaviour pattern of camel. Dromedary camels have a preference for tree leaves and describe how their behavior would change depending on the presence of different feeds. Effect of tannin containing tree leaves in the diet on camel behaviour was studied in fifteen lactating camels (average body weight 554 kg) in mid-lactation stage. The animals were distributed following randomized-block design into three groups on the basis of similar live weight and milk production. The control group (GG) was fed with a standard basal diet of roughage and supplemental concentrate in the ratio of 70:30, where in the roughage component included equal proportions (1:1) of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) straw (GS), Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) phalgati (GP). The treatment groups GGK received a similar ration with a varied roughage combination, one having tanniferous Khejri leaves (KL) at GS40:GP40: KL20 ratios and the other GGP received Pala leaves (PL) at GS40:GP40:PL20 ratios. The agonistic behaviour frequencies like not significantly affected. It may thus be concluded that incorporation of tanniferous tree forages of hot-arid climatic regions at 20% level by replacing the basal crop-residues in the diet of lactating camel do not have negative influence on behaviour of camel.