A study of the biometry of some breeds of Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius)‎ in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Four breeds of Arabian camels have been identified in the midwestern region of Saudi Arabia: Sawahli, Meghem, Gamra and A wadi.

The identification of these breeds was schieved by recording fourteen body measurements in adult females (leg length (fore) (A-B), leg length (hind) (cd) body length (A-C), neck length (E-F), face length (F-H), distance between snout and eye (G-T), tail length (L-K), ear length (S-U), hump (BP) and hind (D-Q), distance between eyes (T-R) and body weight (BW)].

All the above measurements showed significant differences between the four camel breeds.

In addition, scanning electron microscopy of hair shafts from the head region of the four breeds has been conducted.

The cuticular hair scales were found to be less serrated in Sawahli and Gamra than in the Meghem and A wadi breeds.