Seasonal Variations in Water Compartments of the Indian Camel

Abstract

SUMMARY A study of compartmental water in 20 camels in summer and 23 other camels in winter is described. In summer, body water and intracellular fluid spaces in camels were 63.1 and 45.5 per cent of bodyweight respectively. Blood and plasma volume were 7.8 and 4.7 per cent of bodyweight respectively. These values were high compared to those in other domestic animals and man. In winter, total body water, intracellular fluid space, blood and plasma volume of the camel showed a significant reduction, whereas there was an increase in the interstitial fluid. An increase in total body water, intracellular water blood and plasma volume in summer is of advantage, when limited water is available. These changes in water compartments during summer and winter are indicative of an efficient water regulating mechanism in the camel.