Weight, Growth and Genetics in Shami Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

This study examines Shami camel calf rearing in semi-arid regions of Syria, focusing on weight and growth (birth to 1 year), heritability and breeding values of birth weight for breeding purposes. Birth weight, weight at 12 months and growth rate from birth to 12 months differed depending on the birth year. However, weight at 6 and 9 months and growth from birth to these ages did not show significant variation. The differences in weight at 6 and 12 months and growth from birth to 6 and 12 months, were highly significant according to calf sex, while differences at birth, at 9 months and in growth from birth to 9 months were not significant. Shami camel weights were correlated across growth stages, especially between weight at 6 months and growth rate from birth to 6 and 9 months. Male Shami camel calves and calves born to multiparous she-camels had slightly higher birth weights. Sire affected birth weight, with significant variation among them. The high heritability (0.80) of birth weight in Shami camels was found. Male camels were ranked according to the estimated breeding value of their birth weight, with the top sire (ID 126) expected to produce heavier calves. This study found that birth weight and growth rates varied by birth year and sex, emphasising the importance of Shami camel male selection in breeding programmes aimed at improving weights as early growth strongly influences later weight gain.