Stress Transport in the Dromedary Camel

Domestic animals are frequently exposed to transport stress which could alter their welfare, since it affects behavioural homoeostasis, health, meat quality and antioxidant status. During all stages of the journey, including preparation handling, loading, transport, unloading, new environmental housing and waiting, camel welfare is significantly impacted by the stressors presented in each of those stages. In dromedaries transport by road, journey length, loading density and waiting time have been identified as potential risk factors for poor welfare, using physiological, hormonal, haematological and biochemical parameters. Muscle glycogen depletion associated with high ultimate pH and hyperglycaemia has been observed. High cortisol blood levels observed after transport was positively correlated with behavioural and physiological stress responses, and negatively correlated with meat quality parameters. Respect for the well-being of the dromedary throughout road transport requires good transport conditions minimizing journey length, water and food deprivation, loading density and waiting period. This chapter indicates that there is an urgent need for legislation on the welfare and protection of dromedaries during transport according to international welfare standards.