Mismothering and remedying the mother-young relationship in stabled dromedary camels

• Newborn camel rejection by mothers affected 13 % of the herd in dromedary camel. Dystocia, alien calf and repeated rejecter are main causes newborn rejection. Aggression refusing to suckle neonate observed mismothering Keeping camels 3d away from with human assistance can reduce mismothering. This study aimed characterize inappropriate maternal behaviours stabled order detect rejection, develop a suitable method remediate A 45 pregnant females was under video surveillance periparturient females. Twelve (6 accepting their newborns 6 rejecting them 1 h after calving) were selected as experimental subjects. blood sample collected during calving determine cortisol levels. Maternal behaviour at site assessed first hour postpartum . Rejecting dams neonates moved into confinement enclosure assess over period 30 min h, 12 24 48 72 7 d Five IU synthetic oxytocin injected 8:00, 12:00 16:00 induce milk ejection one qualified person colostrum. The fed holding bottle colostrum on surface mother’s udder keeping body contact between two animals. Results showed that duration parturition longer rejected calves ( P = 0.04). Such spent more time standing position process 0.01) compared mothers, had higher plasma levels < 0.01), gave birth preferentially while standing. changed sites displayed head-turning frequently 0.01 both parameters) than mothers. Two identified: dystocia presence an site. Moreover, female case rejecters. During , failed express good care neonates. In enclosure, they exhibited attack toward calves, low sniffing activity, emitted mainly high-pitched grunt. diminished progressively disappeared 0.0001) 2nd day increased steadily 0.001). number grunt decreased low-pitched 3 days before declining significantly end 0.0001). conclusion, be very aggressive towards own newborns. However, three forced bottle-feeding it sufficient alleviate dromedaries establish proper mother-young relationships.