DRAFT PERFORMANCE OF INDIAN CAMELS OF BIKANERI BREED

The Bikaneri camels (8-12 years) weighing 646.4+/-25.5 kg were subject ed to payload of 2.8 kg/kg body weight on a 4-wheel cart. The camels c overed 25.5 km distance in 4.9+/-0.08 hr at an average speed of 1.53+/ -0.04 m/sec in a continuous work spell during summer season. The respi ratory frequency, pulse rate, skin and rectal temperature increased by 314, 84, 14.8 and 6.8%, respectively, over the initial values. Loss i n the body weight due to work stress was 3.6%. With the increase in wo rk stress from initial 5.1 km span to the concluding distance of 25.5 km, the speed, tractive force, work output and power output were reduc ed by 21.6, 8.8 and 33.8% respectively. The power and work output per kg body weight decreased with the increase in live weight. Association s of draught force with some body measurements were estimated.