Gene-driving management practices in the dromedary husbandry systems
under arid climatic conditions in Algeria.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Changes in socio-economics, demography, politics and climate in
arid and semi-arid regions in recent decades have led to profound
transformations in livestock practices particularly in the management of
local animal resources. The dromedary Camelus dromedarius has always
played an important role in human life history in Algeria; it provides a
substantial contribution in protein production such as milk and meat,
and it is used as means of transportation to local populations. It is
well adapted to arid environments and has a satisfactory potential for
food production that enables economic security to locals especially in
the context of climate change. Data concerning this valuable resource is
scarce. This article adds supplementary yet valuable information to the
current knowledge on camel genetic diversity related to different
management practices. Genetic and phenotypic variations and the
underlying raising systems’ practices are studied to understand
differences between breeds for a better resource management. The survey
of 277 camel breeders across the Algerian desert revealed a genetic
diversity in terms of breeds driven by four pastoral practices.
According to coat color and morphological aspect, the camel population
“Tergui” corresponds to tree breeds, namely Mahri with 53.13% of the
population, Marouki (43.22%), and the single-ecotype Azerghaf (3.65%).
Mahri is a mixture of Amelal and Abahou ecotypes that are being
outnumbered by Marouki’s ecotypes (Atelagh and Alemlagh).This
biodiversity is under real threat because of the behavior of pastoral
societies that pushes breeders to turn to breeds with a high market
value. Several useful conservation methods, including the use of modern
farming systems, could be positively used and/or improved, in order to
protect the genetic variety and help breeders realize a good living out
of it. Keywords: Algerian desert; arid area; C. dromedaries; genetic
diversity; management practices, typology.