For Sofie Tinggren, a postgraduate student from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), studying camels extends her reach as far as these unique animals are widely spread throughout the Middle East and Africa. Her focus in Laikipia is on factors affecting camel milk yields and how mastitis impacts production. Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland or udder of the dairy animals such as cows and camels, caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria in the udders cause major losses in milk production because it reduces quality, quantity and profitability.
Camels have a solid place in the lives of communities dwelling in arid and semi-arid areas. Known for their strength and ability to withstand dry climatic conditions, camels are not only used to provide milk, meat and leather but also as a mode of transport for the nomadic people of the region. Also, they are considered as wealth and insurance against drought, an almost ever-present threat in the drylands that leads to livestock mortality.
