Studies on the livestock of Southern Darfur, Sudan. V. Notes on camels

Observations on camels have been made over two separate periods of about 18 months each. Information is provided on population structure and on type, with particular reference to weight and shoulder height. A growth curve has been derived, formulae for estimating weight from girth provided, and a mean population weight has been calculated. Details of live and slaughter weight and dressing percentages of 60 camels are given. The weights and percentages of empty body weight and of edible and nonedible parts are presented. Some notes are made of the unusual method of slaughter. The role of camels in transport and draught is discussed. Camels used for ploughing and for pressing oil from local crops produce more power than other domestic animals doing similar work.