Phenotypic variability of two principal Algerian camel’s populations (Targui and Sahraoui)

The camel population and its phenotype variability are not well described in Algeria. The studies at the colonial period were based primarily on a nomenclature associated with the names of tribes rather than the measurement of phenotypic parameters. The present study aimed to define the discriminating parameters of the two main populations described in Algeria, namely the Sahraoui and the Targui breed. An initial analysis was achieved for each population (95 Targui and 95 Sahraoui) to demonstrate an internal variability in each group that includes two to three subpopulations. A second analysis was focused on two populations combined. From the measurements of 190 adult animals, attached to one or the other population, a canonical discriminant analysis was applied to determine the most discriminant parameters, (abdominal circumference, chest circumference, height at withers and turn spiral) and to evaluate the percentage of classified assets. These four parameters were sufficient to distinguish the two populations with 98.5% camels well classified. For each of the populations and subpopulations, standard body measurements are proposed.