Behaviour: Behavioural Repertoire and Behavioural Needs of Camels

Each species has a specific behavioural homeostasis. Camels are diurnal animals, and in nature, they spend a large proportion of the day in browsing behaviour, while they show more resting and rumination behaviour at night. Behaviour depends not only on genetics but also on the environment, so variations in behavioural patterns may be due to different factors, such as season, feed and water availability, and housing conditions. This chapter aims to critically review the literature to describe the behaviour of dromedary camels and the factors which may affect it. During the last few years, research has used behavioural responses to understand the effects of different housing systems and husbandry practices on the welfare of camels. It is worth noting that there is no standardized ethogram for camels yet, so whether behaviour can be used in an objective way to assess welfare in camels is still a matter of debate. Deep knowledge of the behavioural repertoire and behavioural needs of dromedary camels is crucial to improve management system conditions and safeguarding welfare. A large space allowance, appropriate feeding and watering practices, sufficient shaded area, more opportunity for social contact and a positive human-camel relationship have been proposed as useful and applicable practices to improve the camel management system and welfare. However, further studies on behaviour are needed for a better understanding of the behavioural needs of camels to provide evidence to the policymakers to issue regulations aiming at safeguarding the welfare of camels. .