Comparison of fattening performance between dromedary and crossbred of bactrian and dromedary camels

The aim of this study was to compare the fattening performance (growth rate, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits) of native dromedary and crosses of dromedary and bacterian camels. In this study 28 camel were used (2 groups and each containing 7 male and 7 female). The diet (25% alfalfa, %25 wheat straw and %50 concentrate) was given ad libitum, twice a day for 5 months. At the end of fattening period 12 camels (3 camels from their each genetic group & sex) were slaughtered and carcasses were analyzed for meat, bone and fat content. The remaining camels fattened for following 3 months. At the end of 8 months all camels were slaughtered and analysis of carcass was carried out on 12 camels (3 camels of each genetic group & sex). Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using a factorial design. The results showed that the average weight at the end of fattening period of 2 groups (native camel and crossbred camel) was 331/93±8/04 ¡378/08±12/74(Kg) respectively and there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (P0.05). Average weight at the end of fattening period of 2 sexes(female and male) was 330/46±10/21 ¡376/14±10/77(Kg) respectively and there was a significant difference between the 2 sexes(P0.05). Average daily gain of 2 the groups was 498/81± 30/25 and 608/72±29/57 gram respectively and the difference was significant (P0.05). Average daily gain of female and male was 508/46± 23/18 and 591/90±37/33 gram respectively and the difference was significant (P0.05). There was not differences between the two genetic (dromedary & crosses) groups for feed conversion ratio (7/43±0/28 and 6/95±0/23) for dromedary and crossbred respectively. A significant difference (P0.05) was also not found between the two sexes for feed conversion ratio (7/18±0/14 and 7/22±0/28 for female and male respectively). Average slaughter weight of 2 groups was 331/73±18/44 ¡369/03±16/33(Kg) respectively and there was a significant differences between 2 groups (P0.05). Average slaughter weight of 2 sexes was 3241/77±24/80 ¡376/00±26/24(Kg) respectively and there was a significant differences between 2 sexes(P0.05). Results of fattening performance at the end of 8 months fattening period showed that there was no significant differences between 2 groups for average daily gain, average feed conversion ratio and average slaughter weight (P0.05). It is concluded that crosses of female dromedary with the male of bacterian camel had a better performance compared to dromedary for the above mentioned traits at the end of 5 month of fattening period.