Seasonal Variation in Blood Constituents of One-humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

This study was carried out in southern Darfur, Sudan during dry-and green (wet) season and was designed to investigate the effects of season (dry-versus green season) on the blood constituents of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Two hundred and ten blood samples collected from apparently healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) of different age and sex groups were used in this study, out of which 110 blood samples were collected during the dry season, while 100 blood samples were collected during the green season. The data analysis revealed that the season had significant effects on some of the haematological indices and the blood metabolites and minerals concentrations. The red blood cells count, lymphocytes and basophils percentages increased significantly during the dry season, while the osmotic resistance, MCV, MCH and neutrophils percentage increased significantly during the green season. The serum levels of total protein, globulins and triglycerides increased significantly during the dry season, while the concentrations of plasma glucose and serum urea, creatinine, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) increased significantly during the green season. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the nutritional status could induce significant changes in the physiological responses of the dromedary camel. The available forage during the green season improved the body condition, the blood metabolic and mineral profile in camels. The results indicate that despite camel's selectivity and unique adaptation to arid conditions; glucose, urea, P and Ca levels were lower during the dry season. Therefore, it could be beneficial to provide concentrate feed to camels kept under dry tropical conditions.