The influence of behaviour on the health and well-being of camels and their handlers

摘要

Altered behaviour is often the first indication that a camel is developing an illness. By knowing normal behaviour, a camel manager is able to assess illness early, which provides an opportunity to institute therapy that is likely to be more effective. Changes invocalisation, ear and tail positions, recumbency patterns, urination and defaecation habits and social interactions provide clues as to the physical and emotional state of the camel. It is incorrect to say that camels are stoic and don't show signs of illness. The astute observer recognises the subtle differences. Camels have offensive and defensive behaviours that handlers must learn to recognise (biting, spitting, kicking, charging). A rutting bull may be extremely aggressive and inflictserious injury to the unwary. The camel's physiological adaptation to heat and dehydration make it difficult to use those parameters in assessing early illness. Behavioural alterations are more accurate indicators.