Integrating morphometric traits, body scores, and SNP markers to evaluate dromedary camels for production traits

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article (Regular Paper)

Authors

1 Animal Science Research Department Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center Agricultural Research Education Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran

2 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft 7867155311, Iran

3 Department of Animal Viral Diseases Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3146618361, Iran

4 Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj Iran

5 Animal Science Research Department, Qom Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization (AREEO), Qom, Iran

Abstract

The investigation presents a pragmatic methodology for assessing camels based on morphometric characteristics, body scores, and genomic information. The study comprised 87 dairy camels, including 62 Pakistani and 25 Iranian she-camels, which were assessed by three experts using 23 morphometric measurements, with scores out of 100 being awarded. In addition, genetic evaluation was conducted using markers associated with growth traits, with 60 SNPs being genotyped in 22 elite male calves. Pin width, depth, and chest circumference were found to be significantly greater in Pakistani she-camels (mean body score of 76.71 ± 12.31) compared to Iranian she-camels (mean body score of 57.12 ± 10.03) (p<0.05). The two she-camel groups were separated into distinct clusters based on principal component analysis of the morphometric characteristics. Moreover, the genetic analysis of SNPs (25% of the investigated records) confirmed that genetic differentiation between the two groups in terms of growth traits was significantly different (p<0.05). As a practical approach, the male calves were first evaluated based on maternal body score and milk ability; they were then evaluated based on growth-related SNPs. The findings suggest that morphometric data and body scores can be a suitable approach for evaluating dromedaries for milk production in extensive and semi-extensive systems. Additionally, the selection of male camels based on genetic markers related to growth traits can be effective due to natural mating.

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References

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Journal of Livestock Science and Technologies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 April 2025

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