Morphometric Characterization and Variation of Somali Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in a selected district of Benadir Region

This study characterizes the morphometric variations among SiifDacar, Hoor, and Eyddimo dromedary camel types in Mogadishu, Somalia, revealing significant differences in body dimensions by breed and sex, with SiifDacar females being the largest and males generally exceeding females in size, thereby supporting the classification of these local types as distinct breeds.

The Gist

Imagine Somalia as a vast, sun-drenched stage where the main actors are not people, but camels. These aren't just any camels; they are the tough, resilient heroes of the desert, perfectly built to survive where other animals would give up. But until now, scientists didn't have a clear "family tree" or a detailed blueprint for the different "characters" living on this stage.

This paper is like a biometric detective story. The authors went out to the farms in Mogadishu (the capital of Somalia) to take the "measurements" of 248 camels. Think of it as a giant, very serious fashion show where instead of checking out the outfits, they are checking the height, width, and length of the models to see who fits into which category.

Here is the breakdown of their findings in plain English:

1. The Three Main "Characters"

The researchers found that the camels in this region aren't all the same. They are divided into three distinct "types" (which locals call breeds), each with its own personality and body shape:

• Siif Dacar: Think of these as the tall, elegant supermodels. They are the tallest and longest of the bunch.
• Hoor: These are the sturdy, broad-shouldered athletes. They might not be the tallest, but they are built strong and wide.
• Eyddimo: These are the compact, agile runners. They are generally smaller and built for the harshest, hottest corners of the desert.

2. The Great Gender Divide (Boys vs. Girls)

Just like in human families, the male camels (bulls) and female camels (cows) look quite different, regardless of which "type" they belong to.

• The Males: They are the giants. Whether they are a Siif Dacar or an Eyddimo, the males are significantly taller, have broader shoulders, and are more muscular than the females. They are the heavy lifters of the herd.
• The Females: They are generally smaller, but the study found something interesting: Female Siif Dacars are the "queens" of the group. They are taller and longer than the females of the other two types. This suggests they might be the best "dairy queens" (great for milk production), while the broader-shouldered Hoor males might be the "meat champions."

3. The "Body Blueprint" Findings

The researchers measured everything from the top of the hump (withers) to the back of the legs (rump). Here is what they discovered:

• The Siif Dacar Advantage: In the female camp, the Siif Dacar camels were the clear winners in height and length. They are basically the "tall and lanky" version of the camel world.
• The Hoor Strength: While the Hoor females weren't the tallest, they had a very solid build.
• The Seat Width Surprise: When looking at the males, the only major difference between the types was the width of their "seat" (rump). The Siif Dacar males had the widest seats, which is a good sign for muscle mass and fattening potential.

4. Why Does This Matter? (The "So What?")

You might ask, "Why do we need to measure camels?"
Think of it like sorting apples. If you have a basket of apples, some are big and red (good for pies), some are small and tart (good for cider), and some are just average. If you don't know the difference, you might try to make a pie out of a cider apple, and it won't work well.

• Breeding: By knowing exactly which camel is which, farmers can start "dating" the right camels together. If they want more milk, they can breed the tall Siif Dacar females. If they want meat, they can focus on the broad-shouldered Hoor males.
• Identity: This study proves that these three groups are distinct enough to be considered separate "breeds" (like how a Golden Retriever is different from a Chihuahua). This helps in officially registering them and protecting their unique traits.
• Future Plans: It's the first step toward a "Camel Olympics" where we can select the best athletes for specific jobs, rather than just hoping for the best.

The Bottom Line

This paper is a field guide for the Somali camel. It tells us that while all these camels are tough desert survivors, they come in different "sizes and shapes" tailored for different jobs. The Siif Dacar is the tall milk-producer, the Hoor is the sturdy meat-producer, and the Eyddimo is the hardy survivor. By understanding these differences, farmers can raise healthier, more productive camels, ensuring that these amazing animals continue to thrive in the Horn of Africa.

Technical Summary

1. Problem Statement

Despite the critical economic and cultural role of camels in Somalia, scientific literature regarding the specific morphological characteristics of local camel populations remains limited. While three distinct camel types are recognized locally in Somalia—Siif Dacar, Hoor, and Eyddimo—there is a lack of empirical data to scientifically validate whether these named types constitute distinct breeds or simply represent phenotypic variations within a single population. Furthermore, understanding the specific body measurements and their correlations is essential for developing targeted breeding programs, selection strategies, and breed registration efforts. This study addresses the gap in quantitative morphometric data for camels raised in the Mogadishu region.

2. Methodology

• Study Site and Population: The research was conducted in five camel farms across the Dharkenley, Dayniile, and Hodan districts of Mogadishu, Somalia.
• Sample Size: A total of 248 dromedary camels were examined, comprising 102 males and 146 females.
• Classification: Animals were categorized by three local types:
  • Siif Dacar: Predominantly white/sandy yellow; found in southern regions.
  • Hoor: The most widely distributed type.
  • Eyddimo: Smaller body size, reddish coat; found in borderlands and coastal areas.
• Age Groups: Camels were stratified into three age groups: 6–9 years, 10–13 years, and 14 years and above.
• Data Collection:
  • Measurements: Eight morphometric traits were recorded manually using a standard measuring tape (in cm) while animals stood in an upright position. The traits included: Withers Height, Back Height, Rump Height, Body Length, Chest Height, Abdominal Height, Shoulder Width, and Seat Width.
  • Procedure: Measurements were taken by a team of three to ensure safety and accuracy, with handlers restraining the animals to minimize movement errors.
• Statistical Analysis:
  • Data were analyzed using SPSS.
  • One-way ANOVA was used to determine significant differences among camel types, sexes, and age groups.
  • Tukey's post hoc test was applied for multiple comparisons.
  • Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships between different body measurements.

3. Key Contributions

• Breed Differentiation: The study provides the first comprehensive statistical evidence suggesting that Siif Dacar, Hoor, and Eyddimo are distinct morphological groups, supporting their potential registration as separate breeds.
• Sexual Dimorphism Analysis: It quantifies the significant impact of sex on morphometric traits across different age groups and camel types.
• Correlation Mapping: The research establishes the statistical relationships between various body dimensions, offering a baseline for predicting growth patterns and production potential.
• Baseline Dataset: It creates a foundational dataset for the Mogadishu region, which can be used for future genetic studies, productivity assessments (milk/meat), and sustainable husbandry strategies.

4. Key Results

A. Morphometric Differences by Type (Females)

Significant differences were observed among female camels of the three types:

• Siif Dacar females were significantly larger than Hoor and Eyddimo females in Withers Height, Rump Height, Body Length, and Shoulder Width.
• Hoor and Eyddimo females showed no significant difference in shoulder width but were generally smaller than Siif Dacar.
• Interpretation: Siif Dacar females exhibit a "dairy-type" phenotype (taller, longer body), while Hoor females show a "meat-type" phenotype (broader shoulders relative to size).

B. Morphometric Differences by Type (Males)

• Unlike females, male camels showed no significant differences in most linear measurements (height, length) across the three types.
• The only significant difference found was in Seat Width (Rump Width), where Siif Dacar males had significantly broader rumps than Eyddimo males.

C. Influence of Sex and Age

• Sex: Males were significantly larger than females in Withers Height, Rump Height, and Shoulder Width across all age groups. Conversely, females exhibited significantly higher Chest Height than males, suggesting a broader thoracic structure in females.
• Age: As camels aged (particularly in the 14+ group), the influence of sex on body dimensions became more pronounced.
• Interactions: Significant interactions between Type and Sex were found for Shoulder Width in the 10–13 and 14+ age groups, indicating that genetic and environmental factors influence shoulder development differently across types and sexes.

D. Correlation Analysis

• Positive Correlations: Strong positive correlations were found between Withers Height and Rump Height ($r=0.449$), Shoulder Width ($r=0.421$), and Seat Width ($r=0.500$). Rump Height also correlated positively with Body Length and Seat Width.
• Negative Correlations: Chest Height showed negative correlations with Withers Height, Rump Height, and Shoulder Width, suggesting an inverse relationship between vertical chest depth and overall body height/width.

5. Significance and Implications

• Breed Registration: The distinct morphological profiles, particularly the superior size of Siif Dacar and the specific rump width of Siif Dacar males, provide the scientific basis required to register these types as separate breeds within Somalia.
• Breeding Programs: The data allows for the design of selection programs. For instance, if the goal is dairy production, Siif Dacar females are the optimal choice due to their larger frame. If meat production is the goal, the broader shoulder structure of Hoor camels (and the rump width of Siif Dacar males) is advantageous.
• Comparative Context: The study highlights that Mogadishu camels generally have higher withers and rump heights compared to Turkish and some Pakistani/Afghan populations, but narrower shoulders than some Turkish breeds.
• Future Research: The authors recommend further studies linking these morphometric traits to actual milk and meat yields to fully optimize production strategies and to conduct genetic comparisons to confirm the heritability of these observed differences.

In conclusion, this study successfully characterizes the morphological diversity of Somali dromedary camels in Mogadishu, validating the existence of distinct local types and providing critical data to enhance livestock management and breeding strategies in the region.