Phenotypic variability of two principal Algerian camels populations (Targui<br>and Sahraoui)

Abstract

The camel population and its phenotype variability are not well described in Algeria. The studies at the colonial period were based primarily on a nomenclature associated with the names of tribes rather than the measurement of phenotypic parameters. The present study aimed to define the discriminating parameters of the two main populations described in Algeria, namely the Sahraoui and the Targui breed. An initial analysis was achieved for each population (95 Targui and 95 Sahraoui) to demonstrate an internal variability in each group that includes two to three subpopulations. A second analysis was focused on two populations combined. From the measurements of 190 adult animals, attached to one or the other population, a canonical discriminant analysis was applied to determine the most discriminant parameters, (abdominal circumference, chest circumference, height at withers and turn spiral) and to evaluate the percentage of classified assets. These four parameters were sufficient to distinguish the two populations with 98.5% camels well classified. For each of the populations and subpopulations, standard body measurements are proposed.

Genetic Improvement in Dromedary Camels: Challenges and Opportunities

“…This creates an obstacle for genetic improvement programs and would require a serious collaboration of owners and stakeholders to circumvent. If camel breeds are sometimes described at a national level, as for example in Saudi Arabia (Abdallah and Faye, 2012), Tunisia (Chniter et al, 2018), or Algeria (Oulad-Belkhir et al, 2013), there is no standardization of the traits and parameters to be systematically recorded. For example, despite proposal on linear scoring for udder morphology, there is no application at a large-scale recording system (Ayadi et al, 2016).…”

Approche morphozoométrique de chamelles (<em>Camelus dromedarius</em>, L.) des populations algériennes Sahraoui et Targui

“…Chez la Targui la circonférence thoracique était sous la moyenne de corrélation avec la hauteur au garrot. Des résultats différents des nôtres ont été signalés par Oulad Belkhir et al (2013) (Babelhadj, 2017) donne des résultats concordants avec ces données biométriques. Il existe donc une harmonie de l'ensemble de l'animal, tant au niveau de l'extérieur que de son squelette.…”

“…Pour ce qui est de la Targui les circonférences thoracique et abdominale sont corrélées avec la hauteur au garrot (Oulad Belkhir et al, 2013).…”

Slaughterhouse survey of culled female camels (Camelus dromedarius) in southeast Algeria: Fetal wastage and pregnancy characteristics

“…Camels were grouped into the following four categories: a) 3-5 years of age; b) 6-10 years of age; c) 11-15 years of age; and d) ≥16 years of age. Dromedary camels common in Algeria belong to two main phenotypes Targui and Sahraoui (Oulad Belkhir et al, 2013).…”