Demography of camel population & its

role in economy
 Camel belongs to family Camelidae in the sub-order Tylopoda of the
order Artiodactyla.

 Single humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) is one of the important

animals of hot arid states.

 Its endurance to the climate of arid region with extreme hot and cold
temperatures, water scarcity, bushy fodder and ability to thrive on
harsh conditions make it of high utility and ideally suitable to desert
conditions.

 Camel can sustain on coarse and spiky fodder, which is generally not
consumed by other animals in the desert.
 India ranks 1Oth in the world for camel population with
0.517million camels (FAOSTAT, 2011).

 Rajasthan has 0.421 million camels and ranked first in

country.

 In India camel is primarily used for transport, as pack animal

and for ploughing of sandy loose soils. Its other products viz.
milk, meat, hair and hide are also utilized.

 The one humped camel or dromedary camel has been

recognized as one of the important livestock in Rajasthan.

 The significance of this animal in local culture and societies

far surpasses that of a commercial livestock or a means of
production.
 Peculiarities of camel

Camels are camelids, members of the biological family Camelidae,

the only living family in the suborder Tylopoda. Camels tend to be
large and are strictly herbivorous.

Camels have a three-chambered rather than a four-chambered

digestive tract. They have an upper lip that is split in two with each
part separately mobile, Camels also have an isolated incisor in the
upper jaw.

The red blood cells in camels are oval shaped, unlike those of other
mammals, which are circular. This is to facilitate their flow in a
dehydrated state.

These cells are also more stable in order to withstand high osmotic
variation (the diffusion of water through a cell wall or membrane)
without rupturing when drinking large amount of water.
 A fully grown adult camel stands 1.85 metres (6 feet) at the shoulder and 2.15
metres (7 feet) at the hump. Camels can run up to 65 kilometres per hour (40 miles
per hour) in short bursts and sustain speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour (25
miles per hour).

 The average life span of a camel is 30 to 60 years.

 The term camel is also used more broadly to describe any of the six camel-like
creatures in the family Camelidae. The two true camels and the four South
American camelids, Llama, Alpaca, Guanaco and Vicuña.

 Camels are well known for their humps. A camels hump or humps raise about 30
inches out of its body. Camels do not, however, store water in their humps as
commonly believed, though they do serve this purpose through roundabout means.

 Camels humps are a reservoir of fatty tissue, while water is stored in their blood.
However, when this tissue is metabolized, it is not only a source of energy, but yields
through reaction with oxygen. This allows camels to survive without water for about two
weeks and without food for up to a month.
 The kidneys of a camel are very efficient. Urine comes out as a thick syrup
and their faeces are so dry that it can fuel fires

 Camels are able to withstand changes in body temperature and water content
that would kill most other animals. Their temperature ranges from 34°C
(93°F) at night up to 41°C (106°F) in the day and only above this threshold
will they begin to sweat. This allows them to preserve about five litres of
water a day. Camels can withstand at least 25% weight loss due to sweating.

 A feature of their nostrils is that a large amount of water vapour when they
exhale is trapped and returned to their body fluids, thereby reducing the
amount of water lost through respiration.

 A Camels thick coat reflects sunlight. A shaved camel has to sweat 50%
more to avoid overheating. lt also insulates them from the intense heat that
radiates from hot desert sand. Their long legs help by keeping them further
from the hot ground. Camels have tough feet so that they can endure the
scorching desert sands, Camels have been known to swim if given the
chance.
A camels mouth is very sturdy and they are able to
chew thorny desert plants. Long eyelashes and ear hairs,
together with closeable nostrils, form an effective
barrier against sand.

Camel pace (moving both legs on one side at the same

time) and their widened feet help them move without
sinking into the sand.

All member species of the Camelids are known to have

a highly unusual immune system, where part of the
antibody is composed of immunoglobulins without light
chain. Whether and how this contributes to their
resistance to harsh environments is currently unknown.
 Peculiarities of Camel

The hump of camel is filled with fatty tissue and serves as a source of energy.

Metabolism of 1 g of fat produces over 1 g of metabolic water which helps to

survive them in the desert area where there is scarcity of water.

Oval shaped red blood cells are much stable in order to withstand high,
osmotic variation without rupturing when drinking large amount of water (100
litres) at a time.

Camels are able to withstand changes in body temperature. Their temperature

ranges from 34 °c (93 °F) at night and up to 41 °C (106 °F) during the day, and
only above this threshold will they begin to sweat.

Normal pulse and respirątion rate are 30-45 and 5-12 per minutes,
respectively.

Thick coat (skin) of camels reflects sunlight, and also insulates it from the
intense heat radiated from desert sand. Water loss through evaporation is also
less in camel.
 Camel hair blankets are warmer than the woollen one. Finest
hair is obtained from young camel in the wild state.

 Camel's mouth is very sturdy which helps to chew thorny

desert plants.

 Long eyelashes and ear hairs, together with sealable nostrils,

form a barrier against sand.

 The kidneys and intestines of a camel are very efficient at

retaining water.

 Urine comes out as thick syrup, and their feaces are so dry
that they can fuel fires.

 Thick foot pad of camel helps to walk on loose hot sands

easily.
 Camels can survive for Iong period of about two weeks on dry food
as they have usually low metabolic rates.

 Camels along with Llama, Vicuna and Alpacas are called pseudo-
ruminants as they lack one stomach chamber (omasum) out of fõur
chambers in ruminants. Reticulum contains glandular cells.

 There is no gall bladder like horse.

 There are four mammary glands in the udder of camel

 Skin over the udder is blackish.

 Front quarter of udder is comparatively larger than hind quarter.

 Wolf teeth are sometimes present in camel, while the upper incisors
are sometimes absent in females, but when present they are smaller
than in males. The dental formula of camel is 1-2/6.,C=1/1, W=1/1,
 Facts about camel

Camels are social animals who roam the deserts in search of food and water
with up to 30 other individuals.

With the exception of rutting males competing for females, camels are very
peaceful animals who rarely exhibit aggression.

Contrary to popular misconception, camels do not store water in their humps.

The humps are actually reservoirs for fatty tissue. Concentrating fat in their
humps minimises insulation throughout the rest of the body, thus allowing
camels to survive in such extreme hot regions.

Asian camels have two humps whereas Arabian camels only have one.

Camels have two rows of thick eyelashes to protect their eyes from the desert
dust. They are also able to close their nostrils and lips to keep out the dust.
Camels ears are small and hairy. However their sense of
hearing is also extremely strong

The amount of water a camel drinks on a day-to-day

basis can vary greatly, as they drink to replace only the
fluid they've lost. A thirsty camel can drink up to 135
liters in one sitting!

In Arab cultures the camel symbolises patience,

tolerance and endurance.

Camels have played such an important role in Arabian

culture that there are over 160 words for 'camel' in the
Arabic language.
 Feeding schedule of camel
Camels are like goats and can browse, eating bushes and the branches of
trees. Like cattle and sheep they also graze on grass. They can be fed like cattle
and will eat straw, hay, silage, grains and cakes.

The camel can eat sharp, thorny plants which other animals cannot eat. The
camel eats these woody plants by using its strong canine (dog) teeth to crush
the wood.

In dry seasons when feed becomes scarce the camel can Iive on the fat which
is stored in the hump. It can survive in this way for a very long period and will
lose weight as the fat is used. A camel can lose up to 200 kg in weight during
this period.

Camels recognize poisonous plants growing in the area and will not eat them.
Breeding and production feed must be to introduced the camel 2 weeks
before and during breeding season for increase ovaries activities. And also can
be included during milk production period.

Salt-Salt is very important for the camel. It needs eight times more salt as
compared to cattle and sheep. A camel needs 1 kg of salt a week.
Browsing and grazing should not be less than
6-8 hours a day if the requirement is to be
met.
If there is any change in the feed do it
gradually.
More than one camel should not be permitted
to feed from the same trough.
Also common feeding causes the ffood to be
eaten quickly resulting digestive disorders.
Green should be fed in the evening . They
should not be on empty stomach or soon
after quenching Long thrust.
 Camel nutrition
The camels usually feed them local available ingredients like dry grasses and
millets such as bajra and jowar. Camel feed includes straw of wheat, oats, hay
and concentrates. They also need to be given plenty of drinking water.

There are basically two feeding strategies, one relates with lack of fodder
availability and the other with lack of feed quality. Three programmes need to
be followed depending on how severe the drought situation is. They are:

Feeding strategy for maintenance of animals to ensure its survival

Feeding strategy to maintain minimum level of production and growth

Feeding strategy to maintain desired production by purchasing supplements

from outside.
It is necessary to feed grain ration when camels are at heavy work and
sufficient grazing is not available. Grain is considered to be the best feed.
 Feeding schedule of camel
S.No. Particulars Fodder(kg) Concentrate(kg) Common salt(gm)

1 Under one year age 1.8 1.8 0.45 28.30

2 1-2 year age 3.6 0.91 56.60

3 2-3 year of age 5.4 1.40 84.91

4 Above 3 year 7.3 2 113.20
5 Stud camel 8.2 2.5 141.50

Concentrates for camels-

1.Crushed gram 1.30 kg

3.Common salt- 0.14 kg
2.Crushrd barley- 1.30 kg
4.Missa bhoosa- 8-9 kg
 Water
Generally , a camel requires 18 to36 litters of water , if watered daily, but it may drink
more after being without water for long period.
Under normal conditions , the camel should be given water regularly once or twice a day.
Watering every alternate day is commonly practiced in desert area.
Camels have very high drinking capacity. They may drink as much as 135 liters at a time.
As they drink water, the red cells in the blood stream swell as much as 240 percent of
their normal size.
while in other animals, the cells will burst down causing death if their total volume is
increased to more than 130 per cent.
Drinking water given to camels should be fresh and clean. Camels prefer still water or
slowly flowing water to that of running streams.
Water should be given before feeding, and after unloading.
Camels take their own time at watering and do not drink their fill all at once.
A very thirsty camel may sometimes suffer from over-distension after a quick long drink.
 Care of breeding in camel
Camel is a seasonal breeder and their reproduction is
different as compared to other livestock as both male and
female come into heat during the breeding season.

The terminology used in case of males is "Rutt or "Musth"

Usually the heat period is from November to March. The
female camel matures at an age of 3-4 years while males at
the age of 4-5 years. Camels generally do not come in heat
in the summer season.
 During heat period the male emits a black pigment from his pole gland (skin
gland) which helps him to attract the females.
 The male camel has a specialized inflatable diverticulum of the soft palate
called as 'gula, When the animal is angry or displaying this structure
protrudes out from the mouth.
 The 'gula' is extruded when the camel is physically restrained and protrudes
temporarily when the animal is chemically restrained.

 The gestation period in camels is 390 days with average birth weight 35-40
kgs. The adult camel weighs 450-750 kgs.

 Mating:- The act of mating in camels is called as "lakhana' in Rajasthan.

 Generally one stallion can cover 20 to 50 she camels in one season. More
than 50 services should not be allowed in one breeding season.

 The duration of estrus cycle varies from 16-22 days and the duration of heat
is for 3-4 days.
The symptoms of estrus in camel are as follows
Excitement
Bleating
Want of male
Swollen Vulva with slimy discharge
Tries to smell urine and external genitalia of male and raises the tail
May show homosexual tendencies, also comes near the male and
allows him to mount.

Generally mating occurs by natural method. The female sits down and
keeps the external genitalia open thus allowing the male to copulate.
While mating the male and female both make grunting sounds.

The whole sexual act takes about 20 minutes and is accompanied by

gurgling and frothing by male and bleating by the females.
 If conception has taken place then after 15 to 25 days the she camel,
especially when approached by a male or handled by an attendant, shows
cocking of the tail but if she has not conceived then cocking of tail is not
seen.

Rutting in camel

 Rutt is commonly known as MUSTH. In male camels the sexual instincts are
suppressed for a long period throughout the year.

 Male camels come into "Rutt" for a few months only. After 8 years of age
the male camel attains full 'musth' and is then used for breeding.

 Rutt is generally seen in the later half of the cold weather (December to
March) when the grazing conditions are optimum.

 The sexual activity in general lasts for 3-6 months. Furtlher, the rutt male
camels remain silent for sexual activity throughout the year.
The strongest and vigorous male expresses 'musth'
while the other male camels remain silent.

During the advancement of the rutt the camel shows

the following symptoms:
 Loss of hair, camel goes off feed Falling off in
condition and tucked to a great extent diarrhoea and
frequent urination.
Excitement in which male camel produces gurgling
sound with grinding of teeth.
Wind sucking
 bleating and escapes confinement for the want
of a female.
Uncontrollable and throws out soft palate from
mouth with protruding tongue.
After expression of rutt, a cord to hump to
avoid spoiling due to urine, dung and semen
should tie the tail of the male, In such camels,
if put to hard work, helps in reduction of
'musth', but it is risky.
 PREGNANCY

In camel 99% pregnancy occurs in left horn.

The incidence of twin ovulation is 14 %. Twin births occur to an extent of
only 0.4% when both the ovaries ovulate at the same oestrus.
Embryos develop initially in both horns but, unfortunately one in right horn
dies when it reaches a size of 2-3 cms.

Pregnancy diagnosis: There are various methods of pregnancy diagnosis in

camel like:-
 Physical changes, which are most common: Cocking of tail.
 Increase in body weight, Dark yellow coloured urine.
 pH of urine becomes 3.l0.
 Specific gravity 1.038 to I.086., - Vaginal folds become prominent.
 Rectal palpation by 60 days.

For Chemical test: Two tests are generally carried out in camels: Cuboni test
and Barium chloride test, Biologic test: - Detection of gonadotrophins, - vaginal
cytology
 Care during pregnancy

 Once pregnancy is confirmed the care has to be taken to avoid

abortion.

Pregnant camel should not be allowed to run extensively.

 Balanced nutrition with plenty of water is required. Feed

quantity should be increased by 25% for growing foetus.

Fighting in camels leads to rupture of uterus.

 Kicking and biting on the abdomen should be avoided as far as
possible.

 Plenty of green and dry fodder is necessary. The diet generally

prescribed during pregnancy is as follows:

 Concentrate mix 5 kgs

 Tree fodder 20-25 kgs
 Crushed barley 2 kgs
 Crushed gram 2kgs
 Bhoosa 7-10 kgs
 Salt 30gms
 Excitement and over exertion may lead to abortion and hence
in the last trimester or pregnancy the females must be given
maximum rest.

 In few camels, heat during pregnancy is expressed and in

such cases mating must be avoided.

Parturition in camel
 In camels the normal signs of parturition are:-
 Swelling of vulva
 Restlessness
 Frequent urination
 Camel finds a corner or a dark place and cleans it with the
help of fore legs.
 Goes off feed.
 Generally, parturition occurs in sitting position.
 The fore limbs of the young one appear first followed by the
head.

 The duration of the labour is more pronounced.

 Navel cord generally breaks by itself when the camel licks her
young and the placenta is expelled soon after parturition.

 Securing of animal as soon as the symptoms are seen is

advisable. The labour pains continue for 5 to 10 hours.

 She camel remains in recumbent position for few minutes

after parturition.

 Camel calf stands on its own within 6-8 hrs aftor birth. The
female generally produces one calf at a time.
 BREEDS OF CAMEL
 The scientific name of the Indian camel is Camelus dromedarius.

 The camel belongs to genus Camelus having two species:

1. Dromedary or One humped camel - Found in Africa, Arabia, Iran,

Afghanistan, India.

2. Bactrian or Two humped camel - Found in Central Asia reaching up to

Mongolia and Western parts of China.

 Classification of Indian camels:

A) Baggage camels are heavier, hence are suitable for the plains and other
hilly areas, with sturdy musculature of legs.

B) Riding camels are strong, sturdy, having thinner legs and their muscles are
comparatively less developed.

 There are total of 9 registered breeds of camel found in India registered under
National Bureau Animal Genetic Resources.
Bikaneri Camel

Bikaneri breed of camel is one of the major camel breeds

found in India. The breed derives its name from the city Bikaner
which was established by Rao Bofika in the 15th century and is
known for better draught potential.
 Bikaneri camels are predominantly bred in Bikaner and near by
districts, such as Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, churu,
Jhunihunu, Sikar and Nagaur of Rajasthan and adjoining parts of
Haryana and Punjab state.

 The camels of Bikaneri breed are heavily built and are attractive
with a noble look.
 It has good height, strong built and active habits.

 The colour of the coat varies from brown to black, however in

some animals reddish tinge is also found.

 They have symmetrical body and slightly dome shaped head.

 Jaisalmeri Camel

The breeding tract of Jaisalmeri breed encompasses the

Jaisalmer, Barmer and part of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan.
The Jaisalmeri camels are of active temperament and are quite
tall with long and thin legs.

They have small head and mouth with narrow muzzle.

The head is well carried on a thin neck and the eyes are
prominent.

The forehead is not dome shaped and is without any depression

above eyes (stop).
There is no luxuriant growth of hairs on their eyebrows, eyelids
and ears.

The body colour is predominantly light brown.

 The Jaisalmeri camels have thin skin and short hairs on body.
The udder is mostly round in shape.

 It is a medium sized breed of camel.

Kachchhi Camel

The Kachchhi breed inhabits the ran of Kachchh in Gujarat state.

The major breeding tract encompasses the Kachchh and
Bansakantha districts of Gujarat. The land is marshy with abundant
salt bushes.
The camels of this breed are generally brown to dark brown in
colour with absence of hair on eyelids and ears.

The body hairs are coarse.

 Head is of medium size without distinct "stop", Body size is

medium.

 Camels of this breed are heavy and dull in appearance.

 They are stouter and little shorter.

 They have strong hindquarters, heavy legs, hard and thick foot
pads and are well adapted to the humid climate and marshy land
of Kachchh.

 In some animals the lower lip is droopy due to which the teeth
are visible from a distance.

 The udder is well developed and mostly round in shape.

Mewari Camel

The Mewari breed of camel has derived its name from the
Mewar area of Rajasthan and is well known for milk Productin
potential, The major breeding tract of the breed encompasses the
Udaipur, Chittorgarh districts and adjoining Neemuch and
Mandsour districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The camels of this breed can also be seen in Bhilwara, Banswara,
Dundarpur districts and Hadoti region of Rajasthan, which can be
considered as a minor breeding tract of the breed.

Genetic improvement of indigenous camels through

conventional and molecular Mewari camels are stouter and a little
Shorter than Bikaneri.

They have strong hindquarters, heavy legs, hard and thick foot
pads. Well adapted to travel and carry loads across hills.
 The body hairs arc coarse, which protects them from the bites of
wild honeybees and insects. The body colour varies from light
brown to dark brown but some animals are almost white in
colour, such variation in body colour is generally not seen in
other breeds of camel.

 The head is heavy, set on a thick neck. Unlike the Bikaneri

camel, the Mewari camel has no 'stop, but its muzzle is loose.

 Ears are thick and short, set well apart, tail is long and thick.
Milk vein is prominent and the udder is well developed in
females.
Kharai Camel:

Kharai Camel or Swimming Camels are found only in Gujarat's Bhuj area. It
has been recently recognized as a Separate breed (one among nine such breeds
found in India) of camel for better conservation.

 This camel is adapted to the extreme climate of Ran of Kachh where shallow
seas and high salinity is prevalent.

Kharai Camel can live in both coastal and dry ecosystems.

 It grazes on saline/mangrove trees and is tolerant to high saline
water.

 It can swim up to three kilometres in to the sea in search of

mangroves ( trees or shrubs) are their primary food.

 This camel is distinct from other camels because of its rounded

back, 1ong and thin legs and small feet.
Malvi:

The Malvi camel are named after the Malwa region, found in
Mandsaur and Neemach district.

Malva region receives annual rainfall between 800 to 1000 mm,

representing an unusually humid habitat for camels.

This breed is known for their high milk yield potential with top
milk yield of 6 kg per day
They have very light or off- white colour.
Small body size and it is probably the smallest of all
Indian camel breeds.

The facial profile is also distinct, with a pronounced

convex forehead, Roman nose and an extremely
pendulous lower lip that is longer and protrudes
(extended) further than the upper lip.
Jalori:
It is a crossbred between Marwari and Jaisalmeri, having origin the
southern part of the river Luni. The breed is smaller in size and mainly used for
transport.
 Utility of Camel

Camels are potential suppliers of commercial products such as

milk, meat, hair, hides and dung apart from acting as a
work animal.

Work:

Camels can be put to work when they are 4 years of age. For long
duration of work, camel can produce one horse power of energy.

Camels can carry load equivalent to 40% of their weight

depending upon distance traveled and speed for load carrying
opeřation.
 Camel can cover 100-120 km per day with a speed of 25-30 km
per hour. Camel can carry 200-250 kg of weight.

 Camel can be used for (i) pulling carts (i) driving oil mills (ii)
carrying water from deep wells (iv) ploughing fields (v)
crushing Sugar cane.

CAMEL MILK:

 Camel has great genetic potentiality to yield milk. lactation yield

in camel is generally affected by climate, breed, age, feeding
management and health.
 Fat globules in camel milk are smaller in size and
contain comparatively more unsaturated fatty acids.

 The milk of camel has a medicinal value and useful

is Jaundice, Tuberculosis, Asthma etc.

Camel milk is useful in making of Mawa and Khoa

but due to presence of more salt and lesser fat it is
not suitable for preparation of curd and ghee.
Camel milk is a by-product of camel breeding
which is consumed primarily by herdsmen
(especially on migration) and by their families.
The average daily yield of a lactating camel is
around 2 kg, although some owners assert that
individual yields can be as high as 6 kg or more.
The production system is extensive camel herds are
usually stationed about 10-15 km from the towns
and supported exclusively on natural graze, mostly
consisting of tree vegetation.
 The camels are milked twice or thrice per day.

 The income generated from milk sales can be substantial,

exceeding the returns from selling the young male offspring.

 Camel milk has therapeutic value in the treatment of several

diseases, including tuberculosis.

 Camel milk is also useful for the treatment of Type l

diabetes.
 Average Indian camel yields 3.5 to 10 kg of milk with a peak
yield of 20 kg a day in some exceptional animals.

 Camel milk has high vitamin C content and comparatively

longer shelf-life due to low bacterial count compared to cow
milk.

 Camel milk is affected by grazing and its taste depends upon

availability of pastures.
 Milk is salty and contains insulin like protein (52 units/liter of
milk), which is useful in diabetic patients.
 Daily consumption of 500 ml camel milk by a diabetic patient
may help to reduce the dose of insulin by about 30%
 CAMEL MEAT

Camel meat is not popular in India, but it is used human

consumption in different countries.

Camel can produce animal protein at lower cost in arid zone.

camel meat is similar to beef meat.

Dressing percentage varies from 55% to 65%. Camel carcass

consists of 53-57% meat, 4-8% fat and 16-38% bones.

 The optimum economical age for slaughter of camel is 2-

3:years. Meat quality deteriorates with increase in age.
 CAMEL HAIR, LEATHER AND DUNG

 Camel wool is utilized by camel breeders for the manufacture of

items to be used in their own household such as rugs, blankets,
charpais and saddle girths.

Indian camel produces 1-1.5 kg coarse hair per year. Hair are
used for making ropes, rough clothing, paint brush and soimetimes
items for tourist interest.
 Camel leather is useful for making shoes and toys. It can
also be used for making suitcase as well as for large skin
containers (kuppas) used for storing oils and ghee.

 Camel dung is good source of organic manure and cain also

be used as fuel after drying it.

 Camel is used as a mines of transportation in rural areas and

cities.
 In Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaipur, camel-drawn carts are
ubiquitous, They move goods of all kinds, especially wood,
fodder, gas cylinders, fabrics, bricks, etc.

 Ownership of a camel and a cart is a solid source of income,

sufficient to support a family.
The average daily income from camel carting was
Rs 300 and Rs 140 in city and village areas,
respectively, versus a daily expenditure of Rs
40/camel/day.

In the hilly parts of the state (Aravalli range and

southern Rajasthan), the camel continues to be used
as beast of burden, notably for the transportation of
harvested crops, such as chili, peppers, chara, etc.

Camel dung represents an important fertilizer and

plays, or played, a significant role in the relationship
between camel breeders and farmers.
Although its effect is retarded since it takes longer
for camel dung to decompose, it lasts for 3 years.
Sedentary camel breeders sell camel dung by the
cartload or exchange it for grain.
Nomadic camel pastoralists receive compensation in
kind from the owners of the land on which their herds
stay overnight.
Even higher fertilizing value is attributed to camel
urine.
It can carry loads weighing 150-300 kg over long
distances and 450 kg over short distances. Other
chores performed by camels include threshing,
lifting of water and powering of oil mills.
The camel is used as riding animals mainly in the
Jaisalmer area, where it exerts considerable draw on
tourists.
This is utilized by the Department of Tourism which
organizes a Camel Festival in Bikaner and promotes
other camel games, such as racing and polo at
various festivals.
The camel also maintains some military significance,
being used to patrol the desert border.

The Border Security Force keeps 1750 camels for this

purpose in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
 Camel bones

Similar to the bones of other animals, camel bones

are processed into fertilizer (bone meal).

They are also used as in lieu of ivory for the

production of jewellery and ornaments, as well as
for manufacturing inlaid furniture.
 Vices of camel

Spitting One of the worst habits or vice of the camels is spitting.

 A distressed camel will spit a fetid stream coming from its first
stomach chamber, especially when angry, frustrated or spooked, a real
chemical bomb.

Camels can spit also as a method of establishing hierarchy, especially

during the feeding time as a way of disciplining lower-ranked individuals
in the herd.

Females also spit to chase away insistent males. This second type of
spit is less smelly.