Correlation of actual live weight and estimates of live weights of Camel calves (Camelus dromedarius) in Samburu District of Northern Kenya

Abstract

A study was conducted in Samburu district of northern Kenya in pastoral production systems to develop a formula for estimating the live weight of camel calves. Heart girth (HG), abdominal girth (AG) and shoulder (wither) height (SH) measurements were taken by a tape measure. Also the camel calves were gently suspended on a scale using a sling and the actual live weight measured. Fifty nine (59) camel calves were measured. The abdominal girth and the heart girth had highly significant (P < 0.01) correlation coefficient of r = 0.957 and r = 0.934 respectively than shoulder (wither) height (r = 0.432) to the live weight of camel calves. This suggested that the abdominal girth had the greatest influence on live weight of camel calves followed by the heart girth. Shoulder height had the least influence on live weight. However, multiple regression analysis showed that combined effect of HG, AG and SH on the live weight estimates had coefficient of determination R2 accounting for 92.3% of variation (P < 0.01) which was higher than individual and any two combined variables. The formula developed to estimate live weight was; Live body weight (Kg) = - 100.6 + 101.2AG(m) + 58.2 HG(m) + 9.91SH(m).This formula could be used to estimate the live weight of camel calves in pastoral production systems where weighing machines are not available.