Evaluation of Body Weight Estimation Models, Milk Production, and Herd Management in Traditional Turkmen Camel Herds of Golestan Province, Iran
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Turkmen camel is a valuable yet under-characterized genetic resource in Golestan Province. Unlike previous studies that addressed either morphometric traits or milk yield in isolation, this study provides the first integrated assessment of biometric traits, field-applicable body-weight estimation models, milk produc-tion performance, and herd management practices in traditional Turkmen camel systems. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 51 herds. A total of 153 camels were measured for 11 key biometric traits. Body weight was estimated using three approaches: visual assessment, the Field equation, and the Yagil equation. Daily milk production data were collected from 1261 records, and management practices were assessed through a semi-structured questionnaire. The mean daily milk yield was 6.68 ± 1.18 kg, indicating considerable phenotypic diversity among and within herds. The mean values for height at withers, chest girth, and body length were 182.80, 194.52, and 131.84 cm, respectively, reflecting the large and well-developed body frame of this breed. Among the body weight estimation methods, the Field and Yagil equations, showed greater consistency than visual assessment. Body girth at the widest point had the highest correlation with body weight, making it the best single predictor. Evaluation of man-agement practices revealed that the production system is traditional, facing challenges such as an imbal-anced male-to-female ratio, high age at first calving, and long calving intervals. The findings indicate that the Turkmen camel is a dairy breed with considerable milk production potential and a large body frame. The observed genetic and phenotypic diversity provides an excellent opportunity for initiating selective breeding programs that simultaneously target milk performance and body conformation. However, imple-menting practical strategies to improve reproduction, feeding, and value-chain development is essential for the conservation and sustainable development of this valuable genetic resource.
Author: K. Nobari
Institution: Agricultural Research & Education Organization
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204154449