Inter-Relationship between some Trace Elements during Pregnancy and Newborn Birth Weight in Dromedary Camels

Abstract

The current study aimed to determine the changes in concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in pregnant camels during different durations of pregnancy and to examine the relationship between these trace elements and calf birth weights. Serum samples were collected from 30 apparently healthy pregnant dromedary camels in Daraw Village, Aswan Governorate, Egypt, during the initial (2- 5th month), middle (6-9th month), and late (from 10th month to parturition) pregnancy. Serum levels of selected minerals were evaluated by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Se varied significantly (P-value 0.05). Blood Fe has significant associations with Zn (r = 0.65, P-value= 0. 0001), Cu (r = 0.26, P-value = 0. 01), Mg (r = 0.52, P-value = 0. 0001), and Se (r = 0.57, P-value= 0. 0001). Moreover, Zn serum concentrations have significant relationships with Mg (r = 0.25, P-value = 0.01), Se (r = 0.53, P-value= 0.0001), Mn (r = 0.23, P -value= 0.02). There was significant associations between serum levels of Mg and Se (r = 0.31, P-value = 0.003). Also, Cu serum concentrations revealed significant correspondences with Mg (r = 0.24, P-value = 0.02) and Se (r = 0.37, P-value = 0. 0004). In conclusion, the concentrations of serum trace elements changed during gestation. Evaluation of serum levels of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn in pregnant dromedary she-camel in addition to many factors, acting additively or synergistically, can affect birth weight.