Growth Performance in Dromedary Camels under Two Feeding Regimen

Abstract

This work was designed to evaluate the effect of diet on camels growth rate and daily gain Forty five camels (18-24 months) of age average weight at 225�35 kg were utilized in this study The camels were divided into two groups zero browsing group (15Darfuri &10 Butana) fed complete ration composed of (sorghum 50% groundnut cake15% molases10% wheatbran5%dura husk5% urea2% bagas12% and Common salt1%) The 2nd group was a free browsing camel (11Darfuri &9 Butana) without any supplement The animals were weight weekly for 120 days after two weeks that served as adaptation period The results revealed a significant increase (p< 0.05) in mean body weight and average growth rate in zero browsing groups (321.5� 38.5) as compared to free browsing group (272 �32.3) The average total gain was almost double in zero browsing groups than free browsing groups. However no significant differences were observed in weight gain dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio between Darfuri & Butana in zero browsing groups It is concluded that the dietary complete ration effect significantly on camels growth rate and daily gains and promote their body condition