Latest news with #Bactrians
Al Etihad
29-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Cloning camels in UAE: How biotechnology safeguards heritage and strengthens food security
29 June 2025 23:48 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Camels, the ships of the desert, hold deep historical and cultural significance in the UAE — and preserving the finest of these animals for future generations has become a key mission for a leading biotechnology centre in the country. The Reproductive Biotechnology Centre in Dubai gained international acclaim in 2009, when it produced the world's first cloned camel, named "Injaz". Since then, numerous camels have been cloned, helping preserve the lineage of the most elite to Aletihad, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Wani, the centre's scientific director, explained the long-term impact of cloning these prized camels. 'By harvesting cells from an elite animal, even after death, we can preserve its genetics indefinitely. These cells are stored in our cell bank and can be used years later to recreate that exact animal,' he said. It's not just about replicating elite camels, Dr. Wani said, 'this technique could also support conservation efforts for endangered species, such as the Bactrian camel'.'We can use dromedaries as surrogate mothers to reproduce Bactrians or insert or delete genes to create genetically modified camels for specific traits,' he said. This technique could also help in the production of genetically modified camels either by insertion or by deletion of some genes in donor cells, Dr. Wani added. In a previous report, another expert highlighted the sentimental value that has been attached to cloning procedures. 'Owners often have a strong emotional bond with their camels, and cloning strengthens these bonds by keeping their beloved mounts close at hand,' Khalifa Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Advanced Scientific Group, said in a recent Aletihad report. The Perfect Desert CompanionsIn terms of genetics, camels are the most ideal desert companions, Dr. Wani said. 'Camels are unique animals that have adapted to survive in harsh agroclimatic conditions,' he said. 'They can thrive on food and water sources that other livestock cannot. Their phenotype — with specialised lips, long eyelashes, and padded feet — is perfectly suited to desert life.'Camels conserve water efficiently, produce concentrated urine, and have physiological traits that enable them to cope with extreme heat and dust storms, making them ideal livestock for arid climates like the conditions in the UAE, Dr. Wani said. 'Camels are fundamental to food security and sustainable agriculture in dry regions,' he emphasised. 'They provide milk, meat, wool, leather, and transport, especially in the UAE's desert ecosystem.'Dr. Wani also noted the growing economic impact of camel racing, milk production, and beauty contests, which have become multimillion-dollar industries. 'Camels are part of the UAE's cultural heritage, but they are also a reliable, climate-resilient resource for future food systems,' he added. Like any species, however, camels vary genetically. Some possess the DNA of champion racers, while others stand out in beauty contests. Certain camels produce higher volumes of milk, making them highly prized in the dairy industry. Cloning Techniques At the Reproductive Biotechnology Centre, advanced techniques such as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), commonly known as cloning, and Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) are employed to enhance camel production.'With MOET, we can obtain multiple offspring from elite females in one breeding season. Embryos are flushed from a donor and transferred to synchronised surrogate camels,' Dr. Wani explained. 'In SCNT, we use a donor camel's cells, often stored in our cell bank, to produce embryos in the lab. These embryos are then transferred to surrogate mothers. The resulting calves are exact genetic copies of the donor, whether it is a racing male, beauty queen, or high-producing dairy female.'The centre also offers in vitro embryo production, gene banking, natural selection breeding, and the continuous treatment of infertile camels using ultrasound-guided monitoring and hormone therapies. 'Even animals that cannot breed naturally due to injury or age can still produce offspring,' Dr. Wani said. Looking ahead, the expert sees camel science evolving and making more meaningful impact across sectors. 'Selective breeding and assisted reproductive technologies should focus on producing disease-resistant camels and multiplying genetically superior animals to improve the economics for farmers,' Dr. Wani said.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Detroit Zoo announces passing of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
The Detroit Zoo is mourning the loss of a beloved male Bactrian camel, who was euthanized last week, according to a post on the zoo's official Facebook page. The camel, named Rusty, became a member of the zoo family after arriving from Brookfield Zoo Chicago in 2009. During his 16 years at the Detroit Zoo, Rusty formed a deep bond with his mate, Suren, and together they raised four offspring, the zoo reported. "Though he was a bit shorter in stature than most camels, his thick, dark coat and strong, stocky build made him an unforgettable presence. His full winter coat was truly a sight to behold!" the zoo's post reads. The zoo did not share Rusty's age or prompted his euthanasia, but the zoo shared appreciation for the veterinary and care teams that supported the animal "through his later years." In 2023, the Detroit Zoo announced the passing of Humphrey, a 9-year-old camel that was an offspring of Rusty and Suren. Humphrey reportedly developed stiffness and mobility issues and was diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis in multiple limbs. After the disease progressed and veterinary staff no longer had a way to provide relief, he was euthanized. Bactrian camels, the heaviest members of the camel family, have two humps, unlike the single hump of its Arabian relatives, according to National Geographic. The humps are used to store fat, which can be converted into water and energy, the publication reports. Like Arabian camels, Bactrians rarely sweat, helping them conserve fluids for long periods of time. When camels do drink, though, they can devour an incredible amount of water, reaching up to 30 gallons in only 13 minutes, according to National Geographic. Habitat: Asian Forest Type: Mammals Diet: Herbivore Size: 7 feet tall at the humps Weight: Over 2,000 pounds Median life expectancy: 17 years This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo announces death of beloved Bactrian camel, Rusty
