Camels – The Ship of the Desert

NRCC Camel Breeding Research Facility

More from March 11, 2010

NRCC Camel Breeding Farm

The desert dwellers of Rajasthan could not survive without their camels. In the sandy, inhospitable expanse of the Thar Desert, it is their only means of transport, their beast of burden, as well as an important source of nourishment (camels' milk, slightly salty in taste, is drunk throughout Rajasthan's desert). The hardy camel demands little in return. It can do without food and water for up to a month in winter, and a week in the summer, tanking up on 70 liters of water at one go! The Rajasthani’s affection for his camel is evident in all of the desert fairs, where camels are celebrated.

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) established the National Research Center on Camel (NRCC) in Bikaner in 1984 to research and breed the finest camels in the world. The NRCC Camel Breeding Farm in Bikaner is managed by the government and is the largest in Asia. The center works with the three varieties of camel found here: Bikaneri, Jaisalmeri and Gujarati. They have developed an elite herd of camels at the facility for strength and endurance. They supply the army with camels whose cavalry regiments patrol the desert borders with Pakistan on camel back. Since we are getting ready to ride off into the Thar Desert on camels ourselves, we figured it would be good for us to visit this farm to learn more about the animals that will carry us into and, we hope, out of the desert. :o) We braved the near 100-degree temperature to go out and visit the farm (remember, we ARE in the desert!).

As we were walking up to the farm, the female camels and some of their young were coming in from grazing and on their way in to the corral. It was a magnificent sight to see them all walking in line as they came in. They move with such grace and ease considering their size and odd shape. I will have to let you know how much that 'grace and ease' translates to my body after I have been on one all day tomorrow! :o)

All camels have two rows of eyelashes which help keep the sand out of their eyes. Their humps contain a thick layer of fat, which shields their bodies from the scorching desert sun. Their facial expressions make it seem like they are forever smiling.

These male camels were hilarious. They all came running to the gate and lined up to smile as the females were walking by, giving their full attention to the ladies (we are just at the end of breeding season). Notice the nose of a dark one sticking up just over the wall to the right.

Here are some young camels nosing with their cousins on the other side of the wall.

A youngster taking a rest in the desert sun

The ladies lined up at the feeding trough.

After visiting the farm, we decided that there are a number of reasons having a camel is better than having a horse. They don't need as much maintenance and constant water, they are extremely loyal and trusting, they have unmatched stamina and strength, and, they are ALWAYS smiling. We will let you know about the ease of riding after tomorrow.

Now, there is one more stop today, the Rat Temple!

Stay tuned for something you just won't believe....................