The present study was done to understand the existing managemental practices of camel farmers in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan. A total of 70 respondents, 35 each were randomly selected from Jaipur and Ajmer districts, and interviewed. Desired information was collected in the questionnaire. The collected data were tabulated and subjected to various statistical methods to draw meaningful inferences. The result represented that the majority of camel reared in loose housing system (71.42% and 80%) and were devoid of any puckka floor (82.40% and 87.50%); roof (95.00% and 87.50%); wall (90.00% and 80%); feeding manger (71.42% and 66.66%); bedding material (96.15 and 80%); water troughs (59.25%, 85%); drainage system (77% and 80%) in Jaipur and Ajmer district, respectively. The most common feeding practice was browsing + stall feeding (65.73% and 62.85%); the mode of purchase for feed was direct from market (71.42% and 85.71%); provided additional feed (60% and 71.42%); and the source of feed was purchased (65.73%, 62.28%) in Jaipur and Ajmer districts, respectively. All camel farmers adopted natural service followed for breeding in Jaipur and Ajmer. In Ajmer, more respondents were aware of the oestrus sign (54.29%) as compared to Jaipur (40.00%); providing extra allowance for pregnant animals in Jaipur and Ajmer (65.72% and 60.00%), extra care for pregnant animals (65.72% and 54.29%), breeding season (Oct-March and Nov-March) in Jaipur and Ajmer districts, respectively. The present study revealed that most camel farmers used traditional management practices in both districts and it required training regarding scientific management practices of a camel for efficient utilisation of resources and achieving maximum production through camel rearing.
Key words: Breeding practices, camel farmers, existing managemental practices, housing practices, semi arid region
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