Exploiting morphobiometric and genomic variability of African indigenous camel populations-A review

Abstract

Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Africa are adapted to arid and the semi-arid environmental conditions, and are valuable for meat, milk and fiber production. On account of the growing demand for camels in this continent, there is a need for knowledge on their phenotypic and genetic diversity. This is fundamental to sustainable herd management and utilization including the design of appropriate breeding and conservation strategies. We reviewed studies on the phenotypic and genetic characterization, breeding objectives, systems of production, productive and reproductive performances, and pathways for the sustainable rearing and use of camels in Africa. The morphological and genetic diversity, productive and reproductive abilities of African camels suggest the existence of genetic variations that can be utilized for breeds/ecotypes’ genetic improvement and conservation. Possible areas of intervention include the establishment of open nucleus and community-based breeding schemes and utilization of modern reproductive technologies for the genetic improvement of milk and meat yields, sustainable management of rangelands, capacity building of the pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, institutional supports, formation of centralized conservation centres and efficient and effective marketing systems.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Tarim and Junggar Bactrian Camels Based on Simplified GBS Genome Sequencing

“…Ishag et al (2010) reported the SNP 419 C>T in the non-coding region (intron 1) of the GH gene of Kenani, Lahwee, Rashaidi, Anafi, Bishari, and Kabbashi camel breeds of Sudan. This could aid in the determination of genetic relationships among the different camel breeds [26]. Zhang Dongcheng et al [27] found that the genetic diversity of the Cytb gene in Chinese Bactrian camels was rich, and the evolution of the D-loop sequence was in line with neutral selection according to sequencing and analysis.…”