Camels are known to outperform any other species under severe climatic and nutritional stresses however several by biological and pathological factors are involved in overall camel reproductive efficiency. The present paper summarizes our state of knowledge regarding camel reproductive efficiency and factors affecting it.

Amongst the biological limitations to reproductive efficiency in camels, late onset of puberty in both the male and the female and long lactation anoestrus are probably the most commonly cited. Age at first parturition and interval between parturition varies from 36 to 71 months and from 17.5 and 51 months, respectively. The great variability of these reproductive parameters suggests implication of several other factors that remain unstudied such as nutritional level, breed differences and health. Selection and better nutritional management can achieve improvement of these parameters. Inter‐calving interval is improved tremendously by early weaning. Average number of days between weaning and mating is 7 to 20 days.

Pregnancy rate (or conception rate) or birth rate of females in reproduction and varies 12% to 85%. The most common components of poor fertility are increased early pregnancy loss and abortion, which may be as high as 40%. Substantial advances have been made in recent years on the methodology of diagnosis (ultrasonography, culture and biopsy) and treatment of cause of infertility and reproductive losses. Studies on causes of abortion and methodological approach for the study of reproductive losses are still lacking. Male infertility is also still poorly studied.

The last component of reproductive efficiency in camels is represented by high neonatal losses ranging from 10 to 90% of the calf crop in some situation. Causes of neonatal losses have been studied to some degree but merit further investigation.