Camels history in Australia

The history of camels in Australia has started in the nineteenth century were they were brought to and begun to grow slowly and get used to the new environment.

Between 1860 and 1907 thousand of camels where founded in this period and were brought by Indians and Palestine for the purpose of traveling from place to another. As a result of the wide developments that reached Australia afterwards people prevent uses camels for motivations therefore camels were released in the wild.

Nowadays, the population of camels have reached about half million and it is causing a lot of threat to Australia wild life. This threat is appeared according to the drought that hits the region and makes camels suffers more for the lake of water. Thus, camels are being source of annoying to people where wild camels have been destroying Aborigines properties and attacking their taps and bathrooms searching of water.

Camels features

Australians and Middle East countries camels share the same features. The color of camels ranges in brown shades between creamy to black.

Every part in the camel is created to support it's leaving in the deserts. For instance, camels have large eyes that covered with two rows of eyelashes that are curly to prevent the eyes from the dust and sand. Thus, camel eyebrows are thick and bushy that also helps the eyes from the sun. On the other hand, camel has a huge mouth that with thirty four sharp teeth to make them enable to eat the thorny hard bushes and also its teeth can be used as a method against predators by biting. Furthermore, camel nose is like a cooling device which is cooling the inhale air. Camel hump stores fat in order to draws energy to the camel when food is unenviable for some time and it can live with no food or water for 5 to 7 days. Finally, the ears are tiny covered with fur to protect them from sand and dust.

Camels hair utility

Each year camel can produce about 5 pounds of hair.. In springs all camels moult and start to grow a new hair cover by autumn and that takes approximately six to eight weeks. The hair begins to fall from the neck area then the mane and lastly the body part. The hair is collected and goes throughout procedures to get fabrics at the end.

In addition the quality of the fine fur of camels makes them so special in making gloves, skirts, jackets, hosiery, scarves, sweaters, caps, robes and blazers for men and women uses. Furthermore, Bedouin use camels fabrics in making traditional rugs and tents. Moreover, waterproof coats and carpet backing can make through a process called dehairing which the long hair is removed from coarser. Moreover, the natural colors of camel are giving the fabrics a fabulous golden color and that's why it is wide common used.

Why dose not Australians eat camels meat??

Camels meat content of high sodium and low potassium comparing with other types of meats. Moreover, it has a high amount of calcium in the thigh muscle meat. Camel meat considered to be a major source of protein, which contains a small percentage of cholesterol; for that reason many doctors advises patients who suffer from heart disease to eat camel meat.

Many Australian does not eat camels' meat due to some inherited habits or maybe because people have wrong information about it or maybe some believes that it not easy to cook. Thus, the way of cooking Camel meat is not different from other animals' meat, especially cows. In addition I find that young camels meat which are between one and three years more Leaner and better taste from the older camels and test very smeller to beef. So why does not Australians eat camels meat?

Looking for fewer calories sources?

While I'm doing my research on camel's meat and milk I was surprised to find out that the camel meat is healthier than sheep and it's really effective in diets. As I'm concern on my diet and other do I recommend camels meat. You may ask me why it's healthy, and what it differs from sheep meat.

The camel meat contains 860 calories per kilo while per kilo of sheep meat have 2380 calories and that makes a good benefit for a dieter as a way of avoiding 1520 extra calories that can effect negatively on him/her diet. However, not only camels' meat but it milk's too while it is fewer calories than sheep milk whereas camel milk is 780 calories per liter and sheep milk is 1080 per liter. In my concern it is worth to change to camel meat or milk with the purpose of containing fewer calories.

Different ways of cooking camel meat

Camels' meat has been an important source of food in the United Arab Emirates throughout the period of the pre-oil. However, nowadays in the age of rapidly economics changes it is used occasionally in big meetings and also in celebrations.

Different methods of cooking camel meat effects quality and taste, and some of the methods that used are: grilling, roasting, macro-waving on and braising. Each way has a certain result on the main taste of the meat. As a result of roasting the meat on burned wood gives it a unique juicy and tender taste. In my opinion this way is the best because it gives the taster unforgettable flavor ever.

Camels' milk fighting diseases

There are major benefits in camel milk which is contained with important vitamins such as; vitamin C and B. Thus it's richer 10 times than cow's milk with iron.

A researcher claimed that camels' milk which is high with vitamin content and mineral can assist in fighting some diseases like: AIDS, Cancer, hepatitis C and Alzheimer's.

Camels' milk is drunk generally in Arab world than western world, that's of the taste may be in researcher opinion which is a little saltier than traditional milk that some of the western people can't acquired it. However, it is also can be used in cheese production and it is more expensive than cow's milk.

Camel milk ice cream

It is really surprised me to find out that a company in the United Arab Emirates started to produce ice-creams that made from camel milk. Ice-creams were launched to supermarkets and patrol stations are strawberry and caramel flavored. The idea of creating ice-cream from camel milk is to be a product for dieters because it is only contains with 2.5 per cent fat.

In addition, this kind of ice cream has a variety benefits for consumers which it provide them with vitamin C that is three times more than cow milk provides and it also have lactose intolerance. The (FAO) supports the benefits of camel milk which is believed to be low fat milk that includes iron, unsaturated fatty acid and vitamin B. Nevertheless, modern studies show that camel milk could help many of illnesses such as diabetes, breast cancer, ulcers and even tuberculosis

Camel Cup History in Center Australia

Two Australian mates Keith Mooney-Smith and Noel Fullerton started the first camel race In Australia in year 1970. This camel race took place in Todd River that was dried since. Thus, it was a source of attraction to the famous celebrations of Alice Springs. It has been proven that camel races get many attentions from the public and that makes the Lions club hold this spectacular event.

In addition, camel races were improved and develop to be more successful through out lots of actions such as: moving the track race to Arunga Park in which it was firstly at Treager Park. That change was done in 1975 because the Treager Park wasn't that qualified place in where in the track was grassed and the fence were to low while this appear to be very dangerous. In 1979 camel races have been moved to a new track race which was called Blatherskite Park. Moreover, since this change Camel Cup took place in the Center of Australia and gets crowds attention of this interesting sport.

Camels racing

The beginning of camel racing in Australia was for tourist purpose that it was source of attraction more than a professional sport. For thirty years it has been successful and there were some events such as Alice Spring Camel Cup that always attract lots of crowds that liked the idea of this spectacular sport. As a result Camel racing sport had spread in Australia.

In year 1990 Australians trainers associates with UAE camel professional trainers to get some solutions for the difficulties that they face in camel training. Thus, to develop new techniques makes camels more capable in the racing procedures. Moreover, Australians camels' trainers want to explode their races internationally. Therefore, new training components are needed to raise camel races achievements in Australia by getting them from Middle Eastern Countries.

Important Characteristics of Racing Camels

There some features that makes camel successful in racing. The overall body built, the feet and legs shapes are the main quality characteristic of the most successful camels in racing.

Camels that have a small feet got to be quicker among others. In addition, the front feet have to be as possible in a straight shape. Thus if the back feet were a little turned outwards, it will be better. In other hand front legs ought to contain some ideal aspects such as: close legs, long and straight. Nevertheless, the rear legs supposed to be long and straight. Also camels thighs should to be muscular, thick, full and broad. Finally, the overall build of camel have to be strongly bone structured.

CAMEL RAICING TRAINNING PROSSES

There are different ways and techniques to train camels for racing. It also may change from area to another. The training begins while the camel is just about thirteen months old and it kept trained until the age of three to start racing.
Four techniques will be focused that is used in the gulf region.

Obedience Training :

The path of camel training starts with being the camel thirteen months to sixteen months old. A strategy called obedience is used in this stage. It is concerning on taking the camel from its mother and attached it to an older camel to follow its steps and action. The young camel is joined with the older camel by tying them with a rope. The period of this procedure takes from one month to three months. The procedure is focused on controlling camel movement to make it able to run on the track.

Fitness Training

A fitness program is been applied to camels at the beginning of July for weaker ones and the strongest are kept until late of August. The program is to walk the camels in the early morning for 20 kilometers in the desert and get them back before noun. Then, the trainers fed and water the camels and make them rest until 3 PM.

However, in October trainers' increases the walk distance to an extra 20 –kilometers and the camels can have food at the same time as their walking. Moreover, they have extra meal while they are been returned back between 4 to 6 PM. The point of making camels walk is aimed to cut down the fat that the body contained. Thus, to trim and fitness the camels and get them to the right shape.

Running Training

In November new way of training is applied which is camels are taken to race tracks and started to race which 5 to 10 camels are started to race together. This way of practicing is aimed to accustom camels for racing. Camels are participating within race season that last in the end of January. A trainer chooses the sort of what is the best race distance for each camel according to its ability in running.

On the other hand, new type of diet is used that is healthier in nutrition such as: dates, honey and barley and goat milk. This diet benefit is use in order to enrich camels with energy and greater vitality. At the mean time, camels that have been noticed of there good skill is getting more attention and be medically checked to avoid sicknesses that emerged from pets, dirt and weather elements.

Before race within two days camels are taken to alternative way of course of action which is in day one , they kept in rest after purging the camels stomach, and the have been covered with a blanket and took them to wash. Light meals and water are given to camels these two days and to avoid them from eating more a special hood is put on their mouth. In day two camels are kept in rest but this time by fasting until the time of the race.

Betting in the UAE and Australia

Camel races attract both Australians and Emirates. For instance, Australians do bet on camel races while UAE don't. Moreover, betting in Australia can be done in the recent time by using standard ways such as the internet. It is a secure way to bet by using high professional quality devices. Camel racing are viewed generally by media or live. On the other hand, it is only permitted to bet on camels that have microchip identification and that is used to make sure that the betting process is legal. In addition, to win the bet make sure of selecting the preferred camel that has a previous winning history in races. The bet can really be unpredictable on camels that occur from the different way of training each camel and in quality. It is advisable to search on the camel that is competing in the race before hand to avoid frustration.

Robots are used instead of jockeys in camel racing.

In 2002 Qatar government introduced the robots jockeys that been developed by a Swiss company that Alexandre Colot was the director. The development procedure was renewed in every step to make the robot more likely as human figure. This was to solve the problem of that the camel were not recognize the jockey. The design of the jockey was having mannequin- that similar to the face, hats, sunglasses, racing silks and a traditional perfumed that normally jockeys wear. Developers also make the robots ideal for the hot temperature of the region and the dusty weather. Thus, the robots are less in weight, small and can be controlled by remote.
The robot is made from aluminum and covered with a "thorax", and it arm controls the reins and whip. Nevertheless, a robot jockey can monitor camels heart beat and the speed of the camel.

Camels Tools and supplies:

To control camels movement there are many tools and supplies that helps to drive it to the right way. The main tool is called Khtam and it consists of four ropes.
The first rope is tied around the neck and it is called "Kanajeh", next rope is named "Hekmah" which is tied around the nose and mouth. Thus, in the training period a special rope used as a second tool to guide the camel in effective way more and this rope is called "Friej". In addition a mask is used to avoid camel from biting and eating dung or sands. This mask is made from leather, it's like a semi-bag and it placed on the camels mouth and nose. These tools that been mentioned are very necessary to manage the movement of the camel

Mysterious camels death:

A mysterious camel death appears suddenly last few weeks in Saudi Arabia. The dead camels were estimated to be nearly 2000 camel. An explanation were been revealed by the Minister of Agriculture which he said that the camels were poisoned by there feed. Moreover, he added that the camels started to die in "Dawaser valley" which is located in the south of the capital and other located in Mecca and near Yemen borders. In addition, this tragedy have been effected the owners and the public because of depending them on it as source of food and in camel racing. Thus, each camel costs thousands of Dollars so it's really a large loose for camel owners. It has been announced by Minister of Agriculture Fahd Bilghoneim in a news conference that the death camels were away from infections disease and it's not source of threat.

Boulia Desert Sands Camel Race Information 15 - 17 Jul 2005

A spectacular Australian event called Boulia Desert Sands Camel Race. It was started on the 15 and ended on the 17 of Jul 2005. The main activity is camel racing in this event and other entertainment activities. A 1/4 mile race is started in the first day. In the next day the fun started while people gathered and camped in the desert and in the night a party starts called a street party including live music. Thus, there are different occasions such as: skydiving, camel trails, catching the wild camel competition and a fabulous fireworks display in the night. Finally in the last day two races were applied, followed by prize distributions and ended by a speech.


When is the next one ?
Jul 2008 (annual)
Where:
Racecourse & Rodeo Grounds
Cost:
A$30 (3-day pass)
Opening Hours:
Fri 5pm; Sat 10am; Sun 9am

Australia exports camels to several countries:

As a result of the growing numbers of camels at the wild in Australia; Australians exports camels to several countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait and the United Arab of Emirates. Exporting camels are done in Darlin port which hundreds of camels been shipped to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a reason of the butchers demand increases on camel meat that it is the favorite and the best kind of meat in the country. Thus, exporting camels have reached to North Africa traditional markets too such as Alexandria markets. Moreover, this method has been recovered the Australian camel trade system.. On the other hand the benefits of exporting camel are both to gain money and to reduce the wild camels in the continent.