Good housing: camels and their interaction with the environment

Camel farming is undergoing a profound transformation. To date, camels can be reared in many different ways, ranging from traditional nomadic breeding to more technological housing systems, with milking parlours and intensive farming systems similar to those used in dairy cows. The different types of housing systems used for camel farming will be described in this chapter. Improper housing systems and facilities can cause severe welfare issues in camels. The chapter emphasizes how a poor environment may affect camel welfare and provides suggestions for designing facilities in compliance with the welfare principle named “good housing”. In particular, good housing is ensured when camels are reared in an environment and building meeting the welfare criteria of “comfort around resting”, “ease of movement”, and “thermal comfort”. Providing camels with adequate space allowance, clean beddings, shelters and shaded areas, and building facilities following the camels’ behavioural needs for movement and sociability are key points for ensuring farming systems respecting the principle of good housing. Overcrowding, lack of movement, and insufficient social interactions are among the main welfare issues associated with improper housing systems. In addition, concerning the “thermal comfort” criterium, more studies are needed to provide more precise guidance on the temperature and humidity ranges to keep camels within their thermal comfort zone.