Water restriction and bone metabolism in camels

Goumi, M. Ben; Robins, S. P.; Farge, F. De La; Coxam, Véronique; Davicco, M.J.; Barlet, J.P.

doi:10.1051/rnd:19960510

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Mineral deficits and correlated conditions are relevant in many desert areas where camels usually live [ 57 ]: a NaCl deficiency can cause skin necrosis, whilst a chronic deficit can lead to neurological syndromes; serum phosphate/calcium disequilibrium leads camels to an illness called kraff (or krafft ), as reported in North African countries [ 58 ]. Kraff has been investigated only in South Tunisia [ 59 , 60 ], but it has also been observed in Southeast Algeria [ 61 ] and in very arid areas of North Africa, particularly in sandy soils and grazing areas with low concentrations of chemically-available calcium and phosphorus [ 62 ]. Kraff is characterized by disorders of bone metabolism, which include spontaneous fractures and paralysis [ 49 , 63 , 64 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnoveterinary of Sahrawi pastoralists of Western Sahara: camel diseases and remedies

Volpato

Saleh²,

Nardo

2015

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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BackgroundPastoral populations around the world hold complex and detailed ethnoveterinary knowledge, essential for the survival of their herds and securing their livelihood. In recent decades, several studies have given attention to local veterinary remedies and practices and their validation, and to the local conceptualization of livestock diseases. Despite this, relatively little has been reported on indigenous knowledge of camel diseases (e.g., aetiological factors, epidemiological patterns, symptoms, prevention and treatments). This paper focuses on the traditional knowledge of camel diseases and their treatments among Sahrawi nomads, detailing how this knowledge is powerfully reflected on pastoral adaptation strategies to the ecological system of Western Sahara.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2010, freelisting exercise on camel diseases with 46 Sahrawi nomads and refugees, semi-structured interviews with 36 knowledgeable informants about camel diseases and associated treatments, and a voucher specimen collection of the plants and products cited were conducted in the territories administered by the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Western Sahara. Analytical methods included standard ethnobiological, ethnobotanical and cultural consensus analyses.ResultsIn total, 42 camel diseases were freelisted by informants, with four (i.e., mange, dermatomycosis, respiratory infections, and mastitis) found to be culturally highly salient. These four represent the most common veterinary conditions experienced by Sahrawi pastoralists. In addition, 42 plant species belonging to 22 botanical families (Hammada scoparia, Acacia tortilis, Zygophyllum gaetulum, Nucularia perrinii, and Panicum turgidum among the species most used) were listed as used in the treatment of these diseases, as well as about 30 remedies of animal (e.g., from camels, donkeys, and/or spiny-tailed lizards) and mineral origin, and of cauterizations.ConclusionsThis study provides an overall picture of the most important camel diseases and remedies as reported by Sahrawi informants, detailing how the vast knowledge that the Sahrawi hold on the health and disease of their camels is constructed through contrasts between their customary nomadic land (and associated climate, soils, grazing and therapeutic resources) and the surrounding areas (and associated diseases), which are traditionally used only in cases of drought.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethnoveterinary of Sahrawi pastoralists of Western Sahara: camel diseases and remedies

Volpato

Saleh²,

Nardo

2015

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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“…NaCl deficiency, phosphate/calcium disequilibrium) and associated health conditions (e.g. kraff disease, pica-pica) are relevant in many desert areas where camels live [ 65 , 69 – 72 ]. These deficits especially occur when camels graze for long periods in phosphorus-poor soils.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of Nucularia perrinii Batt. (Chenopodiaceae) in the camel-based Sahrawi social-ecological system

Volpato

Nardo

2017

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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BackgroundPastoral social-ecological systems (SESs) are adaptive and complex systems rooted in the extensive exploitation of forage plants for livestock-based livelihoods and culture. There are species and relations that are foundational to the existence of these SESs. Nucularia perrinii Batt. (Chenopodiaceae) is an endemic halophyte plant of central and western Sahara seldom cited in the scientific literature. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of this plant in the SES of the Sahrawi camel nomads of Western Sahara.MethodsThe data analyzed were collected in the Sahrawi refugee camps of Algeria and in Western Sahara between 2006 and 2010. Fieldwork included semi-structured (n = 38) and retrospective (n = 12) interviews with Sahrawi refugees, nomads, and camel owners about N. perrinii and associated topics (e.g. distribution, importance for camels, camel diseases, associated grazing practices, other forage plants, etc.).Results Askaf, as the Sahrawi call the plant, is crucial to camels’ survival, providing salts and water even during dry spells. It holds a pivotal role in the Sahrawi culture, defining the geographical boundaries of the Sahrawi SES and relating the grazing territory with the taste it gives to camel milk, which support the inclusion of askaf as a main element of Sahrawi cultural identity.ConclusionsWe argue that N. perrinii ties the ecology of the western Sahara desert with camel husbandry and associated livelihoods, and further with the culture and worldview of the Sahrawi nomads. We stress the keystone role that some forage plants may have in extensive pastoral SESs worldwide.

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“…Anecdotally, camels are extremely susceptible to nephrotoxic drugs. 11,12 A notion that camels recirculate blood more than other species to allow better conservation of water has been proposed but has no supportive scientific evidence. 11 In this case, because of reports of susceptibility to nephrotoxic drugs, the camel initially received a low dose of flunixin meglumine.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%