Some Phenotypical Characteristics of Camels Raised in Provinces of Balikesir and Canakkale of Turkey

This study was conducted first time in Turkey regarding the phenotypic traits of Turkish camels. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of Turkish camels raised in Balikesir and Canakkale provinces of Turkey. In this study, a total of 81 male camels were used in Burhaniye County of Balikesir province during a camel wrestling competition. Descriptive statistics of morphological traits for withers height were 161.7±1.42 cm, body length 146.1±1.36 cm, limb length 81.9±0.84 cm, and cannon circumference 16.3±0.24 cm. The results of this study showed that the Turkish camels were smaller than the camels from Sudan and Pakistan. Owners of Turkish camels should be supported by the Turkish government so that they could be survived them as a genetic resource of Turkey for future generations.