Unique Characteristics of Camel Body Systems: Adaptation to Harsh Conditions, Productive and Reproductive Performances: A Review

Dromedaries have been evolved a remarkable array of adaptations that enable them to live in harsh desert environments. These adaptations are evident in their body systems, which are specifically designed to conserve water, regulate temperature and withstand extreme conditions. The unique characteristics of camel body systems were described to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, growth and reproductive performances in addition to milk and urine secretion and unique characters under harsh condition were presented. Therefore, the articles concerning unique characteristics of camel body systems resulting in adaptation to harsh condition in addition to growth, reproduction, milk and urine secretion were used for writing the manuscript and they were collected from google scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed databases. The results indicated that camel body systems have unique features indicated in anatomical, physiological and behavioral adaptation that enable them to survive in harsh environmental conditions. The camel’s respiratory system has several adaptations including long and convoluted nasal passages, a large lung surface area and low respiration rate to conserve water. Lifespan of camel RBCs lasts 90–150 days and they are oval-shaped with special plasma membrane characters resulted in high tolerance to osmotic stress and efficient oxygen transport. Camels’ forestomach have unique pouch-like structures contributed to conserve water. It is worth noting that there are no seminal vesicles in Camelidae family and the ejaculated semen is viscous. She-camels are seasonal breeding animals with induced ovulation and diffused placenta. Growth and reproductive performances in addition to milk and concentrated urine secretion occur during these extreme harsh conditions. Intensive management system resulted in significant improvement in both productive and reproductive performances. It could be concluded that dromedaries is well-adapted to withstand extreme conditions in addition to their abilities to produce and reproduce.