干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

Though the camels are being reared by Indian farmers especially in desert as a means of transport of man and material, cultivation and other agricultural operations for draught, to produce milk, fibre, riding and sports. Initial efforts for genetic and breeding of camel started from the state times when large herds of camel were maintained by the state for their uses in battles and wars and also for large scale developmental projects such as digging of canals, construction of roads and railway tracts etc. Most of the management and breeding operation of such herds were carried out by traditional breeders. Probably, Bikaner was the first state in Rajasthan to establish a camel breeding farm under the state government recognising the importance of research on Camelus dromedarius. The state camel breeding farm at Jorbeer, Bikaner was transformed in to National Research Centre on Camel in 1984. Though, the College of Veterinary and Animal Science established in 1954 was associated with the state camel breeding farm for treatment, management and to meet other technical needs, but it was actively involved in research aspects on genetics and breeding as a coordinated effort among the college, state government and National Research Centre on Camel. Basic research on breeding aspects had been conducted on evaluation of body weights, growth pattern, with identification of factors affecting them at different ages, growth curves have also been developed. The various physiological and atmospheric variables affecting the maturity, reproduction and draught capacity have also been investigated. The efforts have also been made to access the genetic component of variability for some of the traits of economic importance. The direction in research have also taken a turn with the shift on importance of this species from draught to alternative parameters of economic concern incorporating different biotechnological and molecular genetics aspects of other species of livestock. Recently, a comprehensive investigation on selectivity, longevity and productivity has been conducted. The molecular markers for genetic characterisation of Camelus dromedarius have drawn the interest of researchers where researches on repetitive DNA analysis, uses of microsatellite markers for genetic polymorphism, breed characterisation and documentation have been conducted. These detailed population genetic studies and preliminary molecular genetic investigation has set a direction of change required for future research in genetics and breeding of camel. The Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri and Kachchhi breeds besides other strains of camels need to be maintained and multiplied and the characteristics for QTLs and marker assisted selection needs to be identified. The medicinal value of camel milk, immune system, blood biochemistry and adaptive physiological parameters have to be studied in more detail.