Abstract

In the Northern part of Africa Camels dromedarius (One humped camel or Arabian camel is considered one of the important domesticated animals. Consequently, they are of considerable economic importance, even though no much scientific attention has been given to them till last few years. In Libya, like other North Africa Arab Countries, the camels are concentrated mainly at the arid lands, where they are well adapted to the hard environment. This work attempts to present the field data available on the management, breeding, and reproductive performance of Camelus Dromedarius. It based on the author's own work and in part on an analysis of the available literatures. A total number of 3120 heads of camels within 38 herds were included in this study. The management of camels in Libyaare mainly of three types: continuous and temporary traveling, or permanent stay. Size of the herd differs greatly, with a mean number of about 82±18 herds ranging between 63-100 heads. Mature she-camel occupies between 50-60% of the total herd number, while the mature male camel, which are used for reproduction, does not exceed 2% of the total herd number. The rest include young male and female camels. Although reproductive activities in camels are mostly seen during October till April, but there are evidences cleared that some camels could breed naturally, and seen, all around the year. Mean gestation period in the reproductive female camels was 375 days, ranging between 365-390 days affected by different factors. Sex-ratio of the new- born calves was about equal (almost 49.5 % males and 50.5 % females).She-camels have good reproductive ability which reached about 72%, while the productive ability was about 67%. Some she-camels suffered from some reproductive diseases affecting their reproductive and productive abilities. Such abnormalities include abortion (about 5%), dystocia (about 6%), retained placenta (about 8%), and death of newborn calves (about 5%) within the first two weeks postpartum.