Camel History – Characteristics & Price in Bangladesh

History of camel:

The word ‘camel’ comes from the Arabic word, meaning ‘beauty’. Regardless of their solid relationship with the Middle East and Africa, camels really began in North America approximately 45 million years prior. Somewhere in the range of 3 and 5 million years prior, they crossed the Bering land scaffold to Eurasia and in the end moved south. Over the years they have been distributed around the world through human beings in different regions. And they have domesticated over 3,500 years ago and have been used for transportation ever since. 

Physical description: General

If we want to generalize camel physical characteristics then these are the things we can figure out of the common. First of all, they have at least one hump on their backs along with long curved necks, Their lower parts are broad, and they have large feet and tufted tails as well. 

Females have four teats rather than two and they have an annual molt as other animals do. Actually, domestic camels have been selectively bred over many years. Mainly, Hybridization between species has occurred in the ancestry of both domestic species. Now moving to the feet, their feet are unique among mammals. Large, broad ‘elastic’ pad – hooves are 2 fingernail-like toenails in front of the pad. Other ungulates walk on tips of hoof-covered toes. Wild Bactrian’s hoof is claw-like.

Another Identical part of camels is their humps.  Humps are composed of fibrous tissue and fat. When fat is metabolized, it acts as a source of energy. The concentration of body fat in humps is an advantage in hot climates for camels. It also minimizes its presence throughout the rest of the body. This reduces heat-trapping that occurs with insulating layers of fat. Available nutrition determines size and shape – humps nearly disappear with starvation. Not used for water storage.

Now moving towards the face of the camel, they have ears, nostrils, eyes, mouth to complete the diagram of their face. Their nostrils can be closed to protect against blowing sand, however, special nasal cavities moisten air on the way in, trap moisture going out. And their eyes have long lashes to protect against blowing sand. Also, the bony arch over the eye acts as a sun shield. Their ears are small and round and ear hair protects blowing sand to harm the ear. Their most interesting part is their prehensile lips, upper split in 2 halves.

And incisors and canine teeth grow throughout life.

Types of camel:

There are two sorts of camels: dromedary camels, which have one hill, and Bactrian camels, which have two projections. Dromedary Camels are also called Arabian camels. And Dromedary Camels live in West Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Camels’ hills involve setting aside fat, which they can utilize when sustenance and water are uncommon. Despite their bulges, camels have various ways to deal with change in accordance with their condition. They have a third, clear eyelid that shields their eyes from blowing sand. Two lines of long lashes similarly secure their eyes. Sanding up the nose can be an issue, yet not for camels. They can close their noses during dust storms. 

Individuals have used camels as a strategy for transport for a colossal number of years. They can pass on around 375 to 600 lbs. (170 to 270 kilograms) on their backs, as shown by National Geographic. This earned these huge creatures inconvenience and appellation, “vessels of the desert.” Domestic camels are every now and again the crucial wellspring of meat, deplete and even calfskin or wool things.

Usability:

Like other mammals, Camels have some great usability. It is an alternative source of milk and meat production. And camel milk is very nutritious which might be helpful for people with autism, Type 1 diabetes, food allergies, hepatitis B and other autoimmune diseases. And the meat has low cholesterol levels; a high concentration of minerals, including sodium, iron, zinc, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and high vitamin C content when compared with other red meats. Camel meat also contains various fatty acids, enzymes, and protective proteins. Their hide and hair are also using for clothing and fabric making. 

On the other hand,  Camels can hold up to 900 pounds. Camels can run at speed up to 40 miles per hour. Camels generally travel 25 miles a day at 3 miles per hour. And can live 40 to 50 years. Throughout their lifespan, they are very useful to human life and society.  

How did camels come to Bangladesh:

In terms of cows, there is lots of evidence available about why they are with our geolocation and important to our daily life. But for Camel, it is just like an exploration of dreams or fantasy. Because logically there is no geographical advantage to have them with our culture. Generally, camels are living in the desert or highly cold areas, where we don’t have any of these. But we are Muslims through our holy Quran we have known about camels and their uses. So, we were really interested to have a camel if possible to buy from the local market. When we are economically growing and persuading to develop our lifestyle and country, we see the change of buying capability of our own.

As a consequence, we are expecting a variety of animals to our local cattle hat. On the occasion of Qurbani, we see different types of sacrificial animals are importing from different countries including camels. And the demand for camels is starting to increase in the local market. At that momentum, our livestock development researcher started research on camels and how they can be raised with our environment. Though the initiative was taken on a micro-level. As a result in 2004, a private farm started with 10 camels and now it has 36+ camels on their farm. Initially, it was hard to maintain them but gradually with accurate maintenance and help of veterinary doctors. Now every year this farm produces 2 to 4 pieces of camels for Qurbani Hat.  But mostly, camels are importing via local importer as per requirements.    

Price of the camel in Bangladesh:

We know so far lots of general details about camels. Now it’s time to know the price of them. As we earlier told you that for camels we are highly depending on imports. Actually, camels are coming from Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, etc frequently as per the requirements from local sellers.

And we know that camels are very pricey and have limited availability here. So,  2 to 3 years old calves may cost you minimum BDT 10,00,0000/-  If you are purchasing an adult one then it may cost you BDT.12,00,000/- to BDT.18,00,000/- depending on height, weight and shape from a Qurbani Hat or a cattle market.