Revisiting methanogenesis in camel-A review

Camel is often blamed for emitting methane, one of the potent greenhouse gas (GHG), to the environment. On the contrary, camel survives in the most vulnerable arid environment of the desert and may thus be considered environmentally friendly that resists the ensuing climate-change effect on the globe. This review discusses rumen ecological differences with respect to its structure, microbiome environment, substrate availability, fermentation behaviour to elucidate methanogenesis and its meagre emission contribution to GHG compared to other ruminant livestock. Besides, the feeding habits, nutrient metabolism and efficiency in energy utilisation are highlighted to corroborate ‘Camel’ as the environmentally friendly animal. Amongst the group camelids, the methane emissions from camel is principally discussed because of its predominant population, growth and structure in various parts of the world. In the hindsight, an environmental-friendly animal camel should not be blamed as GHG contributor due to relatively less feed intake and substantial reduced methanogenesis.