Anatomical and Physiological Characteristics of the One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Past and present experiences proved that the dromedary camels have very special anatomical characteristics, and many varied physiological mechanisms, which enable the animal to live, reproduce and produce milk and meat, and to work under extreme conditions of heat and aridness - even during periods of drought when cattle, sheep and goats barely survive. These anatomical and varied physiological characteristics can be summarized in the following: The skin, head, scent glands, ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth, neck, hump, udder, male genitalia, fore and hind legs, horny modifications of the skin, foot pads and tail are anatomically different from other farm animals as an adaptation for the extreme conditions of heat and aridness where camels are raised. The physiological mechanisms for the adaptation of the one-humped camel to the hot arid environment of the desert are: Camels store heat during the day and cool off by conduction and convection in the evening. Water-deprived camels reduce their metabolism, which also conserves water. The smallest possible surface area of the body of camels is exposed to the rays of the sun and camels are less active in the heat of the day. The coat covering of the skin of camels change from wool in the winter to a sleek shiny reflecting hair in the summer. The hump does not serve as a water reservoir, nor solely as an energy reserve, but its greatest use is that on being a concentration of body fat it leaves the subcutaneous tissues little subcutaneous fat allowing for an efficient cooling and preventing the fast loss of stored heat from the body surface (during the night). The large size and height of the camel are advantageous in heat ....