Historical Background and Population of Camels

Abstract

Camels were designated as the ships of the desert. This chapter includes some introductory remarks on the historical background and population of camels. In this chapter, the origin of camels based on the most recent mitochondrial genome analysis and incisor fossils was reviewed. Based on the results of these studies, camels were found in different parts of the world such as North America, Africa, Russia, China, Magnolia, Iran, and Middle Eastern region. Different genus and species of camels were also reviewed in the chapter. Additionally, the distribution of camel population worldwide as well as the uses of camels were reviewed. This chapter introduces some essential figures on the economic value of camels based on the most recent statistics of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

A Comprehensive Review of the Composition, Nutritional Value, and Functional Properties of Camel Milk Fat

“…Camels are a cultural, economic, and health-promoting icon [ 2 ] with an estimated worldwide population of over 35 million [ 3 ]. There are two species of camels: one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) and two-humped camels ( Camelus bactrianus ) [ 4 ]. Camel milk (CM) is an essential food source in arid and semi-arid areas, as cow milk is not always available in these areas due to a lack of adaptation mechanisms.…”