Читать книгу Medicine and Surgery of Camelids - Группа авторов - Страница 23

Camels are an important part of the culture of the nomadic peoples of Asia and the Middle East, supplying food (meat and milk), fuel (the fecal pellets), fiber (clothing, ropes), leather, transportation (packing, riding; Figure 1.17), and racing. Special breeds of dromedaries were developed for riding and became important in the mobilization of military expeditions. Camels are also used for draft purposes, pulling plows and wagons (Figure 1.18). Camels were used heavily in Australia prior to the development of modern vehicles for packing and pulling heavy and awkward items into the Outback. The feral camels of Australia are descendants of escapees. Camels also were used in the United States as part of a military experiment in the hot, desert environment of the Southwest. The Camel Corps was soon disbanded for various reasons.

Camel racing has become a popular sport in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (Figure 1.19). Adult female camels over seven years of age are generally used for major racing. Male camels are less easily managed. Younger camels may participate in short races but the major races are 4–10 km.

The camels are ridden by lightweight jockeys (formerly by children) sitting behind the hump. They are now sometimes ridden by mechanical robot jockeys. The camels move out at a gallop and may reach speeds up to 40.32 kph (25.05 mph) for the first 2 km. Then, they settle down to a fast pace at an average speed of 32.4 kph (20.1 mph).

Camels may change gaits (pace to gallop, and vice versa) during the course of the race, much like the flying change of leads in a galloping horse. The camel gallop is slightly faster than the pace and is often used in the dash to the finish line. Wagering (betting) is not allowed in Muslim cultures, but prizes are awarded to the race winners.

Figure 1.17 Dromedary camel as a riding camel for tourists.

Figure 1.18 Dromedary camels as draft animals.

Figure 1.19 Racing dromedary camels in the United Arab Emirates.

Figure 1.20 Showing alpacas.

Figure 1.21 Packing llamas on trek (

Source: Photo courtesy of Barb Baker

).

Llamas have a long history of interaction with Andean people, supplying meat, leather, and fiber (garments, blankets, rope, costales [burlap bags]), transporting goods, and serving as sacrificial animals [17]. In North America, llamas fill numerous niches, including, but not limited to, breeding, showing (Figure 1.20), parades, companion animals, packing (Figure 1.21), driving, and fiber (cottage industry). Well‐trained, quiet llamas are ideal for taking to schools and convalescent hospitals and for interacting with emotionally and physically disadvantaged children and adults. Another important niche is the use of llamas to guard sheep and goats from predation by coyotes (Figure 1.22).

Alpacas are the premier fiber‐producing animals in the Altiplano region of the Andes. They are also harvested for meat in South America, and the leather is used to make ropes. The pelts of crias are used to make fine rugs and wall hangings; they are sewn together in intricate patterns and designs. In North America, alpacas serve as companion animals and are used for breeding and showing.

Figure 1.22 Llamas can be used as guard animals to protect smaller, more vulnerable species from predation.