Observational analysis assessed welfare indicators in camels at a semi-intensive farm, suggesting improvements in veterinary oversight and training.
Camels play a crucial role in the economy of arid regions, yet their welfare in semi-intensive farming systems remains underexplored. This study investigates camel welfare at a semi-intensive camel farm in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, using a multi-tiered assessment framework. Data collection included caretaker interviews, herd-level observations, and individual animal assessments, with a focus on key welfare indicators such as body condition score (BCS), hydration status, and overall health. Findings reveal that while camels had sufficient access to nutrition, water, and space, critical issues were observed in veterinary oversight and behavioral enrichment. Additionally, discrepancies between caretaker reports and direct welfare assessments suggest the need for enhanced training and improved monitoring systems. Statistical analysis indicates that lower BCS camels exhibited delayed drinking behaviors, reinforcing the necessity for refined hydration assessment protocols. The study emphasizes the importance of structured veterinary intervention, behavioral stimulation, and improved welfare monitoring frameworks. These findings provide actionable insights for developing standardized welfare protocols in semi-intensive camel production systems, ensuring that camels are managed in a way that optimizes their health, behavior, and overall well-being.
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Emsen et al. (2025) studied this question.
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