FAISALABAD: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) scientists claim to have produced first camel calf through artificial insemination.

The development is being considered a major breakthrough in camel production.

The UAF team led by its Faculty of Veterinary Science Dean Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi and comprising Dr Muhammad Salman Waqas, Dr Anjum Masood and UAF MPhil students established the techniques including semen collection, extension, evaluation, and artificial insemination with fresh extended semen in the camel at the Camel Breeding and Research Institute, Rakh Mani, Bhakkar. The experiment has been conducted with the help of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department.

Dr Qureshi said collected semen was extended with a commercially available semen extender.He said the methodology required specialised training in the field of theriogenology.

He said Pakistan with an estimated camel population of 1.1 million ranked 8th among major camel raising countries. He said camel milk contained more iron and three times higher vitamin C than cow’s milk. Its milk also had more vitamins, minerals and low fat with high medicinal value and it also strengthened immune system.

Among other benefits of camel milk are having insulin which helps sugar patients. At present, he said, 39 per cent of country’s population was facing food insecurity and agriculture and livestock sector promotion was a way forward to alleviate it and poverty.

The university researchers expect that the success will enhance the camel production that will ultimately enhance milk and meat availability.

Mystery of body: Police have yet to find a clue to the mysterious death of a private employee of a University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

The body of Azran Masih, 30, was found hanging from a tree on the UAF campus on Tuesday. Police initiated an investigation into whether it was a murder or suicide case.

As many as 180 security guards patrol the UAF campus round the clock and they all claimed to be unaware of how the incident took place.

When police and Rescue 1122 reached the spot, they found that Masih’s feet were touching the ground and one of his legs was also bent,which was usually not the case in suicides, a police official said.

The UAF spokesman said the incident had nothing to do with the university as the deceased was neither an employee of the university nor a student. He was living in the quarters of a varsity employee as his private servant.

The matter is being dealt with by the police concerned and an investigation was under way, he added.

Responding to a query, he said the UAF had not launched a separate inquiry.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2021