Alxa Bactrian Camel

Alxa Bactrian Camel

The Alxa Bactrian Camel is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Named by the People's Government of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 1990. Historical records indicate that domestication began as early as 5,000 years ago. As an ancient primitive breed, it has developed many unique biological characteristics adapted to desert grasslands during its evolution.

　　Physical Characteristics

　　The Alxa Bactrian Camel is sturdy in build and has well-developed muscles. Its head is held high above the body, the neck is long with a “乙”-shaped curve, and the body shape is tall and square. The chest is broad and deep, the back is short and the waist is long, and when well-fattened, the two humps stand upright and are full. The limbs have strong joints, prominent tendons, and large, round hooves. The coat color is mostly apricot yellow or reddish-brown. Adult male camels stand about 170 cm tall and weigh 400 kg. Alxa camels can be categorized into four coat colors: apricot yellow, purplish-red, brownish, and white. The depth of the color is related to the area where the camel lives. The body type of Alxa camels can generally be divided into three types: coarse and compact, fine and compact, and sturdy. The overall shape is tall and square, with medium individual size. The head is short and wide, the eyes are large and bright; the chest is deep and wide, the back is short and the waist is long. The limbs are slender, the joints are strong, and the tendons are prominent. There are seven keratinous pads distributed on the chest, elbows, wrists, and knees. The two humps are conical and stand upright, measuring 30–40 cm in height, with a 30–40 cm gap between them. The udder is small and square-shaped. Adult male camels have an average height of 172.3 cm, while females average 168.8 cm. Alxa camels are divided into two ecological types: desert-type and Gobi-type. Alxa Bactrian Camels have good working performance and are suitable for riding, pulling, and carrying loads. They can pull loads of up to 1 ton, carry 175 kg, and travel 35 km per day. When ridden solo, they can cover 53 km per day.

　　Distribution Range

　　Primarily found in Alxa Left Banner and Alxa Right Banner in Inner Mongolia, as well as the Hexi Corridor region of Gansu Province.

　　Growth and Reproduction

　　In 1981, Inner Mongolia had a recorded population of 320,000 camels; Gansu recorded 67,000 in 1980. Adult male camels have an average height of 172.3 cm, while females average 168.8 cm. Alxa camels can produce camel hair, provide milk, serve as draft animals, and are also used for meat. Female camels can reproduce until over 20 years of age and can give birth to 7–10 calves in their lifetime.

　　Alxa Bactrian Camel

　　Geographical Scope

　　The Alxa Bactrian Camel is mainly produced in Alxa League, the westernmost part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The protected production area includes three current administrative regions: Alxa Left Banner, Alxa Right Banner, and Ejin Banner. It encompasses 23 sumus and towns, including Bayanhot Town, Ekhenhuduuge Town, and Dalaihubu Town. The league borders Jiuquan City, Zhangye City, Jinchang City, Wuwei City, and Baiyin City of Gansu Province to the west; faces Zhongwei City, Wuzhong City, Yinchuan City, and Shizuishan City of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region across the Helan Mountains to the southeast; adjoins Bayannur City, Wuhai City, and Ordos City to the northeast; and shares a border with Mongolia to the north. Geographic coordinates: between 97°10′–106°52′ east longitude and 37°21′–42°47′ north latitude, covering a total area of 270,000 square kilometers.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Features: The Alxa Bactrian Camel is sturdy in build, with well-developed muscles. Its head is held high above the body, the neck is long with a “乙”-shaped curve, and the body shape is tall and square. The chest is broad and deep, the back is short and the waist is long. When well-fattened, the two humps stand upright and are full. The limbs have strong joints, prominent tendons, and large, round hooves. The coat color is mostly apricot yellow or reddish-brown. There are two ecological types: desert-type and Gobi-type. The body type of Alxa camels can generally be divided into three types: coarse and compact, fine and compact, and sturdy. The overall shape is tall and square, with medium individual size. The head is short and wide, the eyes are large and bright; the chest is deep and wide, the back is short and the waist is long. The limbs are slender, the joints are strong, and the tendons are prominent. There are seven keratinous pads distributed on the chest, elbows, wrists, and knees. The two humps are conical and stand upright, measuring 30–40 cm in height, with a 30–40 cm gap between them. The udder is small and square-shaped. Adult male camels have an average height of 173.83 cm, average body length of 148.35 cm, average chest circumference of 219.24 cm, average cannon bone circumference of 20.53 cm, and average weight of 430.96 kg; female camels have an average height of 169.32 cm, average body length of 142.81 cm, average chest circumference of 209.43 cm, average cannon bone circumference of 18.11 cm, and average weight of 414.49 kg. Alxa Bactrian Camels have good working performance and are suitable for riding, pulling, and carrying loads. They can pull loads of up to 1 ton, carry 175 kg, and travel 35 km per day. When ridden solo, they can cover 53 km per day. 2. Internal Quality: Camel meat is a lean meat type with a relatively high content of animal protein. Although the muscle fibers are somewhat coarse, there is no off-odor. Due to the way fat is deposited in camels—mostly around the two humps and the sides of the abdomen—there is very little subcutaneous fat and even less between muscle fibers. The meat’s moisture content is around 76.1%, with protein content greater than 20.8% and fat content around 2.2%. Camel meat benefits qi and blood, strengthens sinews and bones, and nourishes skin. It is used to treat malignant sores. The camel hump tastes sweet, is warm in nature, non-toxic, and has the effects of moistening dryness, dispelling wind, activating blood circulation, and reducing swelling. Camel milk is slightly warm in nature and has nourishing, calming, yin-nourishing, and detoxifying effects. It can be used for physical weakness during recovery from various illnesses and for poisoning caused by toxins other than copper sulfate. 3. Safety Requirements: In accordance with laws and regulations such as the "Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," as well as the national standards for the production of pollution-free livestock products, management of breeding areas is strengthened. The national standards for pollution-free agricultural product production, including NY5028, GB18596, NY/T388, NY5045, and GB5410, are strictly enforced.