Blood Constituents, Antioxidant Activities and Hormonal Profile in She-camels (Camelus dormedarius) during different Physiological Statuses in the North Western Coast of Egypt

Abstract

To monitor blood constituents and hormonal profiles in dromedary she-camels at different physiological statuses in the Northwestern Coast of Egypt, twenty-four she-camels, aged 7-10 years were used from December 2016 to March 2019. Animals were divided according estrous behavior and ultrasound scans of ovarian structures into estrus and non-estrus groups before natural mating. Pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days after mating by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected from all animals during estrus and non-estrus and monthly during gestation and lactation periods. During the follicular phase GLC and P4 levels decreased (P<0.05). Levels of E2 and PRL increased (P<0.05). Follicles number and diameter in both ovaries increased (P<0.05) in estrus group. Cyclic status correlated negatively with GLC, P4, total number follicles of left ovary (TLO) and diameter follicles of left ovary (DLO) and positively with AST, E2 and DLO. In 1st trimester of pregnancy, GLC levels decreased. Higher (P<0.05) activity of ALT (2nd and 3rd trimesters) and ALP (1st and 2nd trimesters) were recorded. SOD and HP changed (P<0.05). Pregnancy status correlated negatively with GLC, ALP, HP and SOD and positively with TG and ALT. During lactation, ALB, CHOL, TG, ALT, ALP, P4 and PRL were affected (P<0.05). SOD and HP were higher (P<0.05) in 2nd and 1st trimester, respectively. Lactation status correlated negatively with P4 and PRL and positively with CHOL, ALB, ALP, ALT and TAC. In conclusion, the knowledge the values of hormonal, blood biochemical, antioxidant activities are necessary for diagnostic interpretation of pathological and adjusting the different functions throughout different physiological statuses under arid conditions.