Free Essay: Argument Evaluation About Camels
The picture of a camel which signifies human endurance in the desert is linked to the past of the main nomadic evolution of the hot dry regions of the northern hemisphere. Camel is a symbol of one of the key elements of civilization and agricultural activities conducted in these regions. It is the ideal domestic animal that lives in the deserts with long dry seasons of up to eight months or more and insufficient, unpredictable annual rainfall of between 50 to 550mm. Even though the camel is a member of the food producing group of domestic animals, it has for a long time been the most abandoned animal in the field of scientific study. One of the areas of this significant neglect is that it is mostly found in dry, semi-arid, and hot areas of Asia and Africa that are characterized by poor husbandry and nutrition (Sohail 39).
Another challenge faced by these animals in these areas is the limited and deprived quality of pasture. Unlike other ruminants, camels are identified by the lofty assortment of the diet that it feeds on. The animals can feed on herbaceous plans, shoots, shrubs, date stones, and cacti. During the dry spell, camels have to live on thorns and withered plants with low protein but rich in fiber and cellulose. The animals have a distinctive aptitude of converting the sparse plants of the desert into meat, milk and fiber. Camels almost have no competition with other ruminants for food and are very resilient, eats in moderation, sleep at short intervals and have lasting memory (Khan et al, 64). The distinctive physiological organism of the camel helps it in filling essential places in the desert. Besides, the stamina, strength and docility of camels have been exploited for various agricultural purposes, riding and transport needs (Khan et al, 65).
The main role of the camel is directly linked to its extraordinary adaptation to very harsh conditions. Camels have the ability to survive in areas where other animals cannot thrive. This exceptional ability is the result of different physiological and anatomical distinctiveness. If the camel is bred in a place with green scavenge, it can go for several months without drinking water. In very hot environments, camels can drink every eight to ten days only and cut body weight by about 30% during dehydration.
A camel can serve a variety of roles. It can be used as a beast of burden, which transports people and their goods. Besides, it can also provide milk. Some refer to camels as the ship of the desert because they are able to survive for a long period of time without food or water. They can also carry up to about 500 pounds of load on their backs. Walking across the desert dunes would take several days, because the terrain is not accommodative to vehicles. However, one can take just a few hours on the back of a camel. It is reported that a camel can travel an estimated 25 miles in a single day. During the era of war, camels were of great value since they could travel long distances without eating.
To those who own camels, their milk is the main regular source of food that the animals can offer. Camel milk is rich in nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin C and iron. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, camel milk is used in the manufacture of cheese and yoghurt. Besides, the milk is also rich in disease-fighting organisms that can prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and HIV/AIDS. Wool, meat and leather harvested from camels are also widely used.
Camel meat is believed to be better than beef, although it is a bit tough and rough. It contains less fat, thus, ideal for reducing the threats of heart diseases. Camel meat is also rich in iron. Camels are generally treasured because of the social reputation that they impact on the owner. However, the uniqueness of camels in the production of food, with regards to meat and milk are complemented by the supplementary yields of hides, skins, bones and wool which are used for shelter, clothing and manufacture of other useful products (Ahmad et al, 196).
Other than transport, food and clothing, camels have also been used for sports. In the Middle East, camel racing has become a popular sport for many. Historically, the Arab world dates back to 700 AD. Camel racing has been one of the key tourist attractions in the region. Camels that are used in this sport are specifically bred through artificial insemination through crossbreeding. They are bred with features that can enable them to run fast. They usually undergo training for competition, where they are fed special meals.
Those who would like to take part in the sport are required to register with their camels in various categories, based on the age of the animal. Only camels that have surpassed two years old are allowed to participate in the race. The competitions offer breeders a chance to showcase their best breeds and also get rid of the mature ones. Camel polo is a very prominent sport in the Middle East. Conde Nast Traveller reports that guests at Desert Palm and Per Aquum in Dubai enjoy playing polo from the backs of dromedary camels as part of the new experience (Davey par.1).
Despite the benefits of camels, dromedary camels have bad temper and can even bite humans or spit on them to show disagreement. In the event of spitting, they can also throw contents of the stomach along with the excretions. This is one of the defensive tactics of camels that they show whenever they feel threatened. Camels are considered to be untrustworthy, stubborn and not very flexible. Because camels have an ugly appearance, some children cannot stand their sight. Camels usually make scary moaning or groaning sounds, which can also be irritating to some people.
Some of the unpleasant economic impacts of camels are direct management and control outlay, effects on livestock yields through the changing of camels stock and foodstuff among other resources, destruction of infrastructure, and harm to people and vehicles as a result of collisions. The negative ecological impacts of camels include destruction of flora through feeding habits and some squashing, repression of recruitment in certain kinds of plants. They can also destroy swamps through trampling, sedimentation, and fouling, and antagonism with native animals for shelter and food.
Camels also have significant negative effects on the social values of indigenous people. They cause destruction to places that have cultural significance to indigenous people; they destroy plant tucker resources, hamper the delight of other people on natural habitats, create hazardous driving conditions, and cause general irritation in places where they are bred. Camels might also potentially enhance the spread of diseases like Rift Valley fever, bluetongue, surra, bovine tuberculosis and Rinderpest if their outbreaks take place in the Middle East (Sharp and Sanders 4).
Conclusion
Even though the aboriginal dromedary camels have been the key source of food, income and means of transport for many nomads, development researchers and planners have overlooked their potential for escalating sources of food and family income. There enough proof that those camels have distinctive and practical attributes for both milk and meat production under exhaustive and widespread supervision in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite the benefits, camels also have various harmful impacts. The negative impacts of camels are grouped into three main categories; environmental, social/cultural, and economic.
References
Ahmad et al. “Economic Importance of Camel: A Unique Alternative under Crisis,” Pak Vet J, 2010, 30(4): 191-197
Davey, Alexandra. “Got the hump?” Conde Nast Traveller. 15 February 2013. Web. 19 September 2013 http://www.cntraveller.com/news/2013/february/camel-polo-per-aquum-dubai
Khan et al. “Production and Management of Camels.” Pakistan. T. M. Printers, 2003.
Sharp, Trudy and Saunders, Glen. “Model of practice for the humane control of feral camels,” 2012. Web. 21 October 2013 http://www.feral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/camelCOP2012.pdf
Sohai,Mahmood. “The role of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) in animal production.” World Rev Anim Prod, 1983, 19: 38-40.
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