Growth performance comparison of two Kalkouhi and Turkmen young male camel ecotypes (Camelus dromedarius) in closed livestock conditions

An experiment was conducted to study growth traits and fattening potential comparison of two Iranian camel ecotypes (Kalkouhi and Turkmen) in enclosed breeding conditions. The project was carried out using 32 young male camels with an average age of 151±31 days and an average weight of 141.77±29.55 kg (in light, medium and heavy groups) during 9 months. Initial weights as covariate and monthly weight of camels as repeated measures were considered in the analyzing model. Least square mean of growth traits were calculated. The fix and random effects on growth traits with Mixed model procedure of SAS, 2004 software were included. Measurement of feed intake/residuary was recorded in group and daily, measurement of weight gain was recorded individually and monthly, as well as for all period. Results showed that the effects of breed (P<0.01), initial weight and weight categories on feed intake, growth performance and feed conversion ratio of young camels were significant (P<0.05). The average daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio for Kalkouhi ecotype were 3.83±1.01, 0.379±0.11 kg and 9.94±1.57 and for Turkmen ecotype were 4.31±1.05, 0.430±0.10 kg and 9.83±1.08 respectively. Mean total weight gain of Kalkouhi and Turkmen was 102.33±5.03 and 116.01±8.84 kg respectively (P<0.05). In conclusion, growth performance, fattening potential and feed efficiency of Turkmen ecotype was better than Kalkouhi ecotype and could be advised.