CHALLENGES OF COMMERCIAL CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius) PRODUCTION IN NORTH — WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the challenges of commercial camel production in Northern Nigeria. The main camel production system in Northern Nigeria can be generally termed as subsistence practiced by nomadic people. The economic contribution of camel production includes meat, milk, transportation, sales of live animals, therapeutics and medicinal values among others. However, among the modern ways practiced by camel herders includes fattening and milk production in commercial quantity. Poor or low quality feed resources is a challenge in camel production.in which the only feed sources are the thorny plant species, browses and bushes. Breeding program is not a common practice in camel production. Mating is random. Camels are resistance to so many disease infection but a sound veterinary practice will enhance production of quality camel products. Live animals and other products obtained from camel are marketed locally and there are no processing facilities for the products. Extension services delivery in camel production is unavailable and as,such no modern technology enjoyed by the herders. However, infrastructural facilities are extremely unavailable. There is need for more research interest groups to invest in camel production since there is enormous contribution from this sub-sector.