orty male camels were used in this study in Zagazig abattoir, Sharkia province in a period from 1st of February till end of June 2004.
Animals were classified into four equal groups (10 of each). Animals of First group were used to study the influence of transportation method on cortisol level and meat quality of camels. second group were used to study the influence of preslaughter transportation distance on cortisol level and meat quality of camels. 3rd group were used to study the influence of preslaughter transportation density on cortisol level and meat quality of camels and 4th group were used to study the influence of preslaughter handling on cortisol level and meat quality of camels. The result obtained showed that camels which were transported by walking to abattoir had a lower cortisol level than that transported by a vehicle. Also meat of walked camels were better than that transported by a vehicle.
Camels which were transported before slaughtering for short distance had lower cortisol level and better meat quality than that transported for long distance.
Camels which were transported individually had a lower cortisol level and better meat quality than that transported in group. Animals which were gently handled had a lower cortisol level and better meat quality than that roughly handled. In conclusion attention should be paid to camels during transportation, handling before slaughtering for obtaining good quality meat.