The Effect of Feeding Patterns on Physical and Biochemical Parameters of Racing Camels

Abstract

This study has been conducted in the Unitd Arab Emeratis Near Al Ain city in special camel race farm at a period from September 2012 to april 2013 (camel racing season in the UAE) Fifteen male young Omani race camels of about 3 years old with abody weight ranged between 240 – 260 kg with average 250 kg were the subject of this study. Camels were thoroughly selected from a herd of 63 male camel prepared for race. Camels were selected on base of Age , Sex , Breed , Body conformation of the ideal race camel and on their general health condition. The aim of this work was to study the effect of both types of feed (Control recommended ration of the farm, feeding on palm and honey) and duration of feeding of these rations for two stages, short stage for 3 days and long stage for another 6 days on the physiological, biochemical and behavioural perfprmance of the racing camels. Diets used in this study were subjected to chemical analysis at central labs in UAE to stydy the nutritive value and sugar contents of date and honey used in this study.