Application of Health Welfare Standards in Calemus Dromedarius Breeding in Algeria: Facts and Practical Difficulties

Abstract

Since the beginning of the National Agricultural Development Program, incentive grants have been proposed by the Algerian authorities to revive camel breeding in Algeria [1]. These efforts are supported by the fact that camel breeding is characterized with negligible fodders and stable building costs, in comparison to other ruminants’ species. Nevertheless, according to our findings on the field, it turns out that the conduct of camelids’ dairy farms, is often characterized by a search for immediate benefits by herders or livestock managers, to the detriment of animals’ welfare in production as well as their sanitary status [2]. For example, among the most spread camelids’ diseases, subclinical mastitis causes suffering of she-camels, if it is not detected precociously [3]. Also, clostridial diseases as tetanus and enterotoxaemia, mangue caused by Sarcoptes sp., cause pain and death of camels [4]. In addition, the negative influence of stress and unfavorable rearing conditions has been regulated by the recommandations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council [4]. In this mini-review we expose our point of view on the possibility of application of health welfare standards in camel breeding in the situation of Algeria, according to facts and field constraints. Some dominant diseases are done as example.