Camel (Camelus dromedarius) production in Northern Nigeria: An appeal to the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS)

Abstract

Camel production is known in supplying protein to man such as meat and milk, agricultural practices, transportation of goods in tones from one place to another, camel racing among others. However, its production and acceptability is low. Thus, a study was aimed at exploring the potentials of one humped camel production and its importance to the rural dwellers in the arid and semi–arid zones of Nigeria. However, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) would be in the right position considering its mandate on repositioning animal science practices to integrate camel production into modern practices for optimum utilization. The hardy nature of camelsmade it to survivewhere other breeds of livestock such as cattle, sheep and goatmay not survive or their production potentialsmay be low.However, camel production does not need much capital to invest due to its hardy nature and simplicity. Modern ways of improving animal production if applied on camel will boost the production potentials.