Abstract
One humped dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and two humped Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camels are different species, but with close biology allowing fertile crossbreeding. Several publications have explored the differences in meat composition (amino acids and fat). This study was designed to compare the mineral and vitamin composition of dromedary and Bactrian camel meat. Six muscle samples were collected from nine Bactrians, from Kazakhstan, and ten dromedaries from the Sultanate of Oman. Minerals were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and the vitamins were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Differences in mineral and vitamin composition were investigated using discriminant analysis. Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc were the most important discriminating minerals allowing for 71.3% of well-classed animals. A close percentage (74.4%) was observed with the combination of vitamins B1, B12, and C. Dromedary meat contained significantly more calcium, zinc, vitamin B1, and B6 than Bactrian. However, the inter-species difference appeared to be less important than the inter-muscle differences, with a more specific composition of the Longissimus thoracis, compared to other muscles, especially its low mineral concentration and relatively higher vitamin E. Bactrian and dromedary camels, despite their relative genetic proximity, live in two different ecosystems, which may explain the differences in their meat composition.