Evaluation of mating and the causes of noises at night in small dromedary camel herds

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the mating act in camel herds with a small female number and to determine the causes of noises and disturbances heard among the members at night during the breeding season. The proper sex ratio in the camel herds is one male for 50-80 females, so the small number of females could not be sufficient for the intense desire of males during the short breeding season. The later situation worsens if more than one male exists within the herd members. The dominant males spent a longer time in mating (P < 0.01) than the submissive ones. The mating time increased (P < 0.01) if the females showed their readiness for copulation. The mating performance was successful if one male existed alone. The submissive male failed in performing intromission during the dominant presence. Improper sex ratio because of the small number of females did not satisfy the male desire. Therefore, the dominant male pretended to rest beside a preferred female at night in order to rape her through sudden mounting. Forced mating occurred by either coercion or deceiving the females. After mounting, the forced females tried to get rid of the males by biting his knee or face seriously. The behavioral responses of the forced females were the same whether they held down by the male or after tying their legs as many breeders do. During coercion, the male tried to fix her underneath by pressing her forearms. The later situation would probably end with improper intromission and in turn impaired reproduction.