Results from feeding and nitrogen balance trials were utilized to investigate the
energy and protein that are required for maintenance of the dromedary camel. Sixteen
animals where used in this experiment. The animals weight ranged from 467 to 600
kg, energy intake from 19.08 to 91.41g TDN/kg vf13, and protein intake from 136[36
10 563.07 mg DN/kg vf·ra. Animal performance varied between a weight loss of • 0,63
to gain of + 0.83 g/day /kg while nitroqen retention ranged from loss (-68.60 to
retained + 286.75 mg ON/day/kg vf 3. Appropriate regression models for !he
estimation of maintenance requirements and also for energy and protein interacUon
were done. The factorial procedure was used to eSlimating nitrogen requirements.
The estimated requiremenls for the maintenance of live body weight were 31.12g
TON and 368 mg ON per kg vf73 daily. Allowing for energy and protein Interaction.
recommended 'allowances'lor maintenance would be 32.68 g TON and 367.2 mg ON
per kg v-lJ.7l daily including the ON for hair growth and losses in sweat and scurf.
These values are less than the recommended allowances for cattle (36.52 g TON/Kg
V'f.73 and 3.22 9 DCPIKg y,o~. buffaloes (39.00 9 TON/Kg V'f13 and 2.87 g OCPJ 9
V'f7i and goats (31.12 9 TON/Kg vf']) and 3.25 9 DCP/Kg vf13). However,
practically, there are no diHerences between them and those for sheep (27.78 9
TDNlKg V'f73 and 2.43 g DCPlKg V'f73) In developing countries. There are many
hopes tMt the future experiments may determine the energy and prot in
requirements for camel during its growth. lactation and pregnancy taking tjoy
composition into consideration.