Application of a Protocol to Assess Camel Welfare: Scoring System of Collected Measures, Aggregated Assessment Indices, and Criteria to Classify a Pen

SIMPLE SUMMARY: During the last few decades, several protocols have been developed for assessing the on-farm welfare of several animal species. However, a protocol for camels has only recently been proposed. This study, for the first time, applied this assessment protocol and developed a model to compound overall welfare indices and classify pens according to their welfare level. The welfare measures were collected in 76 pens of a camel market in Qatar, scored, and then aggregated to obtain overall welfare indices. Thirst Index, Body Condition Score (BCS), disease and physical injuries, feeding and watering management, presence of a shelter, and cleanliness of bedding were the measures that strongly affected the classification of the pens. The model seemed to be able to identify the major welfare concerns of camels kept at the market and to suggest corrective actions. Further studies are needed to implement the proposed model, but it may be the first step towards the definition of welfare standards for camels. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to apply a protocol for assessing camel welfare, to develop a scoring system for the welfare measures, to produce overall assessment indices, and to classify the animal units (i.e., pens) according to their welfare level. A total of 105 measures were collected at Herd level from 76 pens at a market in Qatar. The pens held 528 camels, 132 of which were evaluated at a deeper level (i.e., Animal level). Out of the 105 measures, 71 were selected, scored, and aggregated to reach a Total Welfare Index (TWI) for each pen. The TWI ranged from 46.2 to 69.8. The Good Feeding index, including measures related to prolonged thirst and prolonged hunger, was the most critical (p < 0.001), while the Good Health index, including measures related to the absence of injuries, disease and pain, was the less problematic (p < 0.001). However, most of the pens were classified as “unsatisfactory” (61.8%) and none as “excellent”. Body Condition Score (BCS), Thirst Index, disease and physical injuries, presence of a shelter, and cleanliness of bedding were the measures which influenced the pens’ classification the most (p < 0.05). The proposed model seems useful in the identification of camel welfare issues. Further applications, as well as the involvement of many scientists and stakeholders, are needed to refine and validate the protocol and its indices.