Gennadiy N. Lepeshkin: The horse was one of the very first modes of transport and sources of food. People have horses in virtually every village. In some villages, people also keep camels. I wouldn't say it's the case in every single one, but we saw horses everywhere. So, they have sheep, and goats too. We saw some people who keep cattle. People have all of that livestock, people maintain them. It's basically a source of food, income, etc. The inhabitants of these villages raise livestock exclusively. They breed sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Raising horses is a particularly important part of their livelihood, since a horse is a must for every Kazakh. The horse is a beast of burden and also a food source. A mode of transport and food.
A camel is a very valuable animal, a domestic animal: it provides wool and milk and camel meat is quite delicious and nutritious. Camel milk is called shubat, and it has valuable curative... curative properties. It's rich in biologically active substances which are beneficial for humans and the immune system.
Every camel has a tag or a brand. There are tags on its ear and on its nose and a brand on the hindquarters. So every camel has its markings. And every camel comes back to its master, like a cow: when it's put out to graze, it goes back to its own yard. Yes, a camel will return home, to the place where it's fed, housed in winter, where it has a stall. Just like a cow.
I'm quite fond of camels, their eyelashes are so cute, and they have an independent bearing. They are a joy to watch. And they have a very proud carriage, kind of... they hold themselves in high esteem. And they have contempt for those who are shorter than they are. Well, since I'm shorter than they are, they must hold me in contempt, too.