The impact of racing on serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins in racing dromedary camels

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of racing on serum concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) acute-phase proteins (APPs) in racing camels (Camelus dromedarius). Blood samples were collected 24 h prior to a 5-km race (T0) and within 2 h of completion of the race (T1). The white blood cell counts (WBCCs) were determined in EDTA blood samples. In the serum samples, the concentrations of cortisol, lactate, Hp, and SAA were determined within 2 weeks of sampling. Compared to pre-race values, the post-race WBCCs did not differ significantly. The mean serum cortisol concentrations increased significantly post-race; however, the mean serum lactate concentrations decreased significantly following the race. The serum concentrations of Hp and SAA APPs increased significantly post-race. The elevations of Hp and SAA suggest that an acute-phase reaction occurred in the camels after the race, thus shedding light on the impact of racing on the release of APPs.