Abstract
Background: The dromedary camel plays significant role in supporting livelihood of pastoral and agro-pastoral systems as well as a source of income generation and national economy in arid regions.
Objective: Current study was executed to check the comparative growth response relative to hair mineral status in Marecha camel calves reared under intensive (IMS) and extensive (EMS) management system at Thal desert Punjab, Pakistan.
Materials and Methods: Twelve male and female Camelus dromedarius calves of almost same weight and age were divided into two groups of 6 (3 ♂ and 3 ♀). The calves of first group were maintained at Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh Mahni in semi-open housing system while the second group in available housing. The first group calves were fed concentrate @ 1 kg/head/day along with gram straw (Cicer arientinum) ad libitum while in second group calves were allowed grazing/browsing for 10 hours daily along with household refusals including kitchen wastes. Watering was done twice a day. Impressum digital weighing scale was used for fortnightly weighing. Data collected on different parameters was subjected to statistical analysis with 2×2 factorial arrangements of treatments under completely randomized design.
Results: After 120 days’ trial period the mean body weight and average daily gain (ADG) of male and female calves was significantly increased (P<0.05) in IMS as 80.8±2.7, 77.8±2.7 kg and 0.67±0.02, 0.65±0.02 kg/d than EMS as 64.5±2.6, 52.9±2.6 kg and 0.54±0.02, 0.44±0.02 kg/d of male and female calves. Intake of crop residues (P<0.05) was found to be 6.9±0.45 and 6.4±0.45 kg/d in male and female calves, respectively in IMS and 3.5±0.23 for male and female calves both in EMS. The conversion index g/kg ADI was 97.1, 101.5 and 154.3, 125.7 for male and female calves, respectively in IMS and EMS. Regarding hair mineral status Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) among calf groups in IMS and EMS.
Conclusion: This study indicates that wool analysis and management of weight gain in camel calves may be further explored to support increased meat supply in arid regions.

Key words: Camel, Growth, Management, System, Wool