Camel Breeding in Algeria

Abstract

Camel breeding remains marginal in Algeria but represents an invaluable animal resource for desert regions. The camel is one of the few domestic species that provides milk, meat, leather, wool, manure and work. The Algerian camel herd has experienced a significant increase in recent years, reaching a population of about 416,500 in 2019. This livestock is located in 17 Wilayates, including 8 Saharan and 9 Stepppiques. The main breeds raised in Algeria are: the Chaambi, Ouled Sidi Cheikh, Ait Khebbach, Steppe Camel, Saharaoui, Targui, Ajjer, Reguibi and Ftouh. The camel sector in Algeria is facing several constraints of a sanitary, genetic, logistical and organizational nature. The management of land and common spaces, following the sedentarization of some breeders, is another difficulty that the sheep sector must face. Several favorable factors for camel breeding in Algeria, such as the pedoclimatic diversity of the country, culture/religion, economic and genetic diversity, can help to improve Algerian red meat production. The objective of this paper is to present the current situation of camel farming in Algeria.

Keywords

• dromedary
• Algeria
• livestock system
• arid regions
• Sahara