Camel calf losses and calf care measures in pastoral herds of Northern Kenya : a system view

Abstract

A comparative analysis of management, production and productivity of three pastoral camel husbandry systems (Rendille, Gabra and Somali) in Northern Kenya was conducted using the life history technique, management questionnaires and a bioeconomic modelling approach. Based on life history data for 1506 Rendille (RE), 789 Gabra (GA) and 1206 Somali (SO) camel calves born between 1980 and 1995, this study presents quantitative information on losses and underlying causes. The effect of calf losses on overall herd productivity was assessed for the three systems using a bioeconomic herd-driven model. Average calf mortality up to one year of age was 27% in RE, 22% in GA and 31% in SO calves, with a wide variation between the years (5-87% RE, 12-67% GA, 11-42% SO). Mortality in SO calves was significantly higher in males than in females (35 vs. 28%). Diseases accounted for most of the losses: 59, 71 and 82% in RE, GA and SO calves, respectively. Mortality caused by drought (22, 21 and 1%), predation (9, 6 and 7%) and accident (2, 5 and 3%) was of lower importance. Unknown causes accounted for 7-10% of overall losses in the three systems. Few major disease groups, namely enteritic conditions, skin conditions, septicemia and tick intoxication were responsible for 66, 83 and 65% of losses in RE, GA and SO calves, respectively. Analyzing mortality causes and related management suggested that a change in colostrum management could reduce mortality considerably. However, pastoralists do not adopt management changes on the sole advice of an outsider, even if a beneficial impact is promised. They will first evaluate such proposed changes in the context of their own view and knowledge of cause and effect relationships within their production system. Understanding the pastoralists’ rationale is a prerequisite for identifying appropriate research and development activities in pastoral production systems.