Camel breeding methods in Southeastern Algeria: available resources and recorded performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to  characterize  camel  breeding and to establish its state in the southern Algerian’s Sahara. A survey was carried out in 4 regions of the southern Sahara and 50 farms were visited in order to collect useful information’s on breeding strategies. The survey focused on farm structure, breeding practices, production factors, resources, species used, production orientation and  camel  workshop  performance. A two-step process of principal component analysis (PCA) followed by classification was used to classify the surveyed farms into distinct groups. In the south-eastern region of Algeria, camel rearing is mainly practised by pastoralists (62%), with small herds of less than 50 animals. The animals graze on rangelands, depending on land availability and breeders. The pastures are composed of 1 or 2 dominant forage species. The analysis of the livestock structure identified 3 different categories of breeders: Agropastoralists, camel pastoralists and ruminant pastoralists, where the type of agricultural activity was the main source of discrimination. Breeding  methods and management practices divide farms into three groups according to production performance and breeding practices. The first group is made up of small or large herds with limited grazing and average to high performance. The second group is made up of medium-sized Saharan herds with seasonal grazing and average performance. The third group is made up of low-performing dairy herds. The typology of livestock farmers shows a variety of strategies that require adaptation. In Algeria, the performance of camel farming depends on pasture management and herd size, with herds with limited grazing performing better.