Adult Camels Research Articles

Comparative study of some haematological and biochemical characterizes of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in south region of Iraq

This study aimed to establishment database and baseline of hemato-biochemicals values of male and female camels in three governorate south Iraq (Basrah, Dhi qar, and Muthana). Forty eight adult male and female dromedary camels (6 males and 10 females for each governorate) aged over 3 years old were used. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the jugular vein during February – April 2018 and then as soon as transported to the laboratory for haematology ( RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, ESR, PLT,and total and differential WBC) and biochemical analysis(ALT, AST, Glucose, Creatinine, Urea, and total protein). The results of haematological and biochemical parameters appeared compatible with the previous studies on normal hemato-biochemical values and found significant effect of sex on some haematological parameters of camel especially for RBCs count, Hgb, PCV, MCV, and PLT, and also among the camels of different governorate in south of Iraq for both sexes regarding to haematological parameters especially in Basrah governorate compared with Dhi qar and Muthana. Whereas, no effect were recorded for sex of camels on total and differential leukocytes in all location studied. Rather than significant differences (p<0.05) showed among the governorates in values of total and differential leukocytes for both sexes compared with their counterparts in the other governorates. The serum biochemical study of camels’ revealed no effect for sex on most of biochemical parameters except in some situation for AST activity level and glucose concentration. In contrast, the results revealed significant variation for both sexes compared with their counterparts in other studied governorates especially in AST, ALT, and glucose values. Therefore, the present study concluded that the results compatible with the previous studies and the sex had effect on some blood indices and the hemato-biochemical parameters different in their value depend on location in south region of Iraq.

Basement membranes in the kidney of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

Basement membranes consist of various proteins, the major ones being laminin and collagen type IV. Primary defects in these two proteins have been extensively associated with kidney pathologies. This study aimed to establish baseline information on the immunohistochemical distribution of laminin and collagen type IV, and to corelate these with the ultrastructure of basal laminae in the uriniferous tubules of the dromedary camel. Tissue samples were taken from the kidneys of eight adult female camels, and processed for immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigations. Strong intensity of collagen type IV was observed within the basement membranes of Bowman’s capsule. The thickness of the basal lamina of the parietal layer of Bowman's capsule varied extensively depending on the region of the renal corpuscle; the thicker areas were always associated with cuboidal epithelial cells. The glomerular basement membrane revealed strong immunostaining of laminin, whereas the mesangial matrix was strongly immunoreactive to collagen type IV. Abundant amount of laminin was found in the basement membranes of proximal convoluted tubules, thin limbs of the loop of Henle, and collecting ducts. Dense immunostainings of laminin and collagen type IV were observed in the medullary regions of uriniferous tubule, in which numerous projections extended from the basal laminae into the subjacent connective tissue. Overall, the present study revealed marked variations in the distribution of the basement membrane markers laminin and collagen type IV in the uriniferous tubules of camel kidney. The results have also shown difference in the thickness of basal laminae. This variation in thickness, however, was unlikely to be influenced by the amount of laminin and collagen type IV.

The distributive and structural characteristics of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus).

BackgroundBronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), distributed in the bronchial mucosa, plays a critical role in maintaining the mucosal immune homeostasis of the lower respiratory tract. The bronchial tree is a functional structure for gas exchange with the outside environment and maintains basic lung morphology.MethodsTo explore the structural and distributive characteristics of BALT in Bactrian camels, twelve healthy adult Bactrian camels were divided into two groups (six in each group). The lungs, bronchial tree and BALT were observed and analysed systematically through anatomical and histological methods.ResultsThe results showed that Bactrian camel lungs were constituted by the left cranial lobe, left caudal lobe, right cranial lobe, right caudal lobe and accessory lobe, but lacked the middle lobe. The cranial lobe was narrow and small, the caudal lobe was extremely developed (almost four times the cranial lobe in size), and the accessory lobe was smaller than the cranial lobe; the bronchial tree, an unequal dichotomy with a tracheobronchial branch, was composed of dorsal, ventral, lateral and medial bronchiole systems. Isolated lymphoid follicles (the chief type) and aggregates of lymphoid follicles revealed two types of BALT, and germinal centres, follicle-associated epithelium and high endothelial venules could be observed in some well-developed BALT. Additionally, BALT was scattered along the bronchial tree in the entire lung, and the density increased from the trachea to the lower graded branches (densest in the bronchioles) and then decreased, with the occasional location around respiratory bronchioles or among the pulmonary mesenchyme. In the conducting portion, BALT was primarily located in the mucosa lamina propria but was also found in the submucosa, under the muscular layer, and around the submucosal glands and cartilage.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that the lung morphology of Bactrian camels was similar to that of horses, but the bronchial branches were more closely related to those of ruminants. These characteristics were in accordance with the morphological and structural variation regularity of lungs with species evolution. BALT was mainly scattered in the conducting portion, and bronchioles, as the final “checkpoint” in the surveillance, capture and recognition of antigens before pulmonary exchange, were the pivotal locational position of BALT. However, BALT at different depths of the bronchial wall of the conducting portion might be at different developmental stages. Our study provided evidence for further insight into the mucosal immunomodulatory mechanism of BALT in the respiratory system of Bactrian camels.

Morphological diversity of female camel (Camelus dromedarius) populations in Morocco.

Fourteen body measurements of 132 adult female camels belonging to three populations Guerzni (60), Khouari (28), and Marmouri (44) reared in 38 herds of 8 provinces of Southern Morocco were studied to identify homogeneous groups according to their conformation. The measurements were chest girth (CG), hump girth (HG), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), fore limb length (FLL), chest width (CW), chest depth (CD), fore hoof circumference (FHC), head length (HL), distance between eyes (DE), ear length (EL), neck length (NL), neck circumference (NC), and tail length (TL). The three populations were compared according to their mean body measurements and through multivariate analyses. The results revealed that only HG, HW, BL, and FLL were significantly influenced by the population. Moreover, the MANOVA showed that Guerzni and Marmouri populations were significantly different, whereas Khouari was not significantly different either from Guerzni or Marmouri populations. Discriminant analysis showed that out of 14 variables, BL and FLL were the most discriminant and resulted into two significant canonical variables (CAN1 and CNA2). Khouari population could be best discriminated from Guerzni and Marmouri by CAN1, and Guerzni could be best distinguished from Marmouri by CAN2. The discriminant analysis revealed that 46.7%, 60.7%, and 40.9% of Guerzni, Khouari, and Marmouri animals, respectively, were correctly classified in their original population. The clustering of the three populations highlighted two Moroccan camel groups: Guerzni and Marmouri in the first group and Khouari in the second one.

Molecular evidence of Trypanosoma evansi infection in Iranian dromedary camel herds

Trypanosoma evansi is a pathogenic African animal protozoan, affecting livestock and wild animals worldwide and Iran. The present study was carried out to detect the infection of T. evansi in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) of southeastern Iran. Over six months, a total numbers of 370 dromedary camels were randomly selected from three sub-areas located in southeastern Iran in 2015. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein and examined by using micro-hematocrit centrifugation (MHCT) and PCR techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted and PCR was performed to amplify a fragment of the mini-chromosome satellite DNA TBR1/2 of T. evansi. The overall prevalence was 31.35% (116/370). The highest T. evansi infection was significantly in adult camels (24.05%, 89/370) with chronic clinical signs (11.89%, 44/370). There was significant difference between prevalence and sex (9.46% male and 21.89% female). Only 19.19% (71 out of 370) of the infected camels were from the plain areas. The highest T. evansi infection rate was significantly recorded in the camels of north (19.19%, 71/370) part of the region. The molecular analysis was uncovered high level of infection with T. evansi in camel herds which can help to establish effective control programs in the region.

Ultrasonographic Characterization of Spleen and Liver in Clinically Healthy Camels

This study aimed to investigate the ultrasonographic position and characteristic appearance of spleen and liver in adult camels. The spleen was visualized on the left side from 9th to12th ICS. Many small sized echoes occupied uniform space were the characteristic constituent of splenic parenchyma and vessels seen as elongated or round to oval anechoic views within the parenchyma. The splenic dorsal margin and extent were largest at 9th ICS (66.75±1.47 and 17.1±1.01 cm) and smallest at 12th ICS (41.8±1.31 and 10±0.74 cm), respectively. The mean diameter of vessels of the spleen ranged from 0.21±0.03 to 0.4±0.01 cm. For the liver, it was scanned from the right side between 9th to 11th ICS. The shortest hepatic dorsal and ventral margins (37.07 ± 1.07 and 54.37 ± 1.76 cm) were found at 11th ICS, but cranially became greater to 9th ICS (43.84 ± 1.82 cm and 61.58 ± 1.17), respectively. The greatest hepatic extent was at 9th ICS (17.72 ± 1.68). The normal hepatic parenchyma was composed of large numbers of weak echoes evenly spread through the liver. We concluded that, the splenic and hepatic assessment by ultrasonography could provide an essential reference guide for diagnosing splenic and hepatic disorders in camels.

Investigation of rumen fermentation parameters and some blood metabolites of dromedary camels fed with C3 and C4 forages.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate rumen fermentation and some blood parameters of dromedary camels fed with C3 and C4 forage. Four fistulated dromedary adult camels were fed with diets as a changeover design, 30 days for each period. The diets included alfalfa hay + wheat straw (C3 forage) and atriplex+ suaeda + seidlitzia (C4 forage). At the end of the experiment, rumen and blood parameters, gas production of wheat straw and atriplex as a 2 × 2 factorial experiment were determined. The highest blood glucose and urea nitrogen levels were found for camels fed with C3 forage, 2 hr after feeding (p < 0.05). The maximum NH3-N concentration in the rumen was for diets C3 and C4, 2 and 4 hr after feeding (p < 0.05). The lowest rumen pH was observed for C3 diet at 2 and 4 hr and for C4 diet at 4 and 8 hr after feeding. The activity of rumen carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and microcrystalline cellulase (MCCase) enzymes was the highest for C3 and C4 diets, 8 hr after feeding, however, during feeding the enzyme activity in C4 was higher than that of 2 hr (p < 0.05). The rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were significantly higher in camels fed C3 forage in comparison with C4 (p < 0.05). The results showed that the gas production potential was significantly higher in treatments containing atriplex, however, the gas production rate was higher in treatment containing wheat straw (p < 0.05). The results suggested that for camels maintained in closed systems, the replacement of C3 forages instead of C4 could be possible and useful.

Genetic Evidence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-Cov) and Widespread Seroprevalence among Camels in Kenya

We describe the first genome isolation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Kenya. This fatal zoonotic pathogen was first described in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2012. Epidemiological and molecular evidence revealed zoonotic transmission from camels to humans and between humans. Currently, MERS-CoV is classified by the WHO as having high pandemic potential requiring greater surveillance. Previous studies of MERS-CoV in Kenya mainly focused on site-specific and archived camel and human serum samples for antibodies. We conducted active nationwide cross-sectional surveillance of camels and humans in Kenya, targeting both nasal swabs and plasma samples from 1,163 camels and 486 humans collected from January 2016 to June 2018. A total of 792 camel plasma samples were positive by ELISA. Seroprevalence increased with age, and the highest prevalence was observed in adult camels (82.37%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 79.50–84.91). More female camels were significantly seropositive (74.28%, 95% CI 71.14–77.19) than male camels (P < 0.001) (53.74%, 95% CI 48.48–58.90). Only 11 camel nasal swabs were positive for MERS-CoV by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of whole genome sequences showed that Kenyan MERS-CoV clustered within sub-clade C2, which is associated with the African clade, but did not contain signature deletions of orf4b in African viruses. None of the human plasma screened contained neutralizing antibodies against MERS-CoV. This study confirms the geographically widespread occurrence of MERS-CoV in Kenyan camels. Further one-health surveillance approaches in camels, wildlife, and human populations are needed.

Morphological, radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the one-humped camel.

The camel digits have a complex structure with tendons, joints and ligaments. The objective of the study was to determine the anatomical features of the metatarsophalangeal joint and its puncture site in dromedary camel using anatomical dissection, radiography, computed tomography (CT) bone and soft tissue window scans and 3D reconstruction render volume of CT. The study used six adult camels of both sexes (three males and three females), aged 9-15years (Mean ± SD equal 11.80±2.59years). The camel fetlock possesses two metatarsophalangeal joints, left and right ones. The study described in detail the bony structures, ligaments and joint capsule of the metatarsophalangeal joint. The straight sesamoidean ligament was recorded in the studied one-humped camel joints. The joint capsule exhibited two recesses: dorsal and plantar recess. This is the first study to report the dorsal recess as triangular in outline with one proximal recess and two distal recesses, and the plantar recess as having two proximal recesses and one distal recess. The soft tissues examined around the fetlock were the proper extensor tendon, superficial, deep digital flexor tendon, digital scutum, collateral ligaments and sesamoidean ligaments. The plantar and dorsal pouches were the sites of joint injection. The present findings regarding joint injection indicate the plantar approach through plantar recess to fetlock to be preferable than the dorsal one as we used the proximal sesamoid bones and suspensory ligament as landmarks to inject easily.

Effect of different proteolytic enzymes on liquefaction of semen of dromedary camel

In most of domestic animals, semen biology is well studied, but it is not so well studied in camelids particularly in dromedary camels. In camelids, the ejaculated semen is highly viscous, so before its evaluation and processing for preservation, it is necessary to be liquefied. Our study was designed to evaluate the effect of three different enzymes (0.1% Collagenase, 0.5 X Accutase, 0.1% Trypsin-EDTA - Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) on seminal viscosity at different time intervals along with its effects on seminal parameters. Semen was collected from the six adult healthy male camels using female camel as dummy. Bovine artificial vagina was used for the semen collection and ejaculate was kept at 37ºC for further processing after its collection. All three enzymes were diluted in 1x phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and the semen samples were kept at 37ºC. The samples were evaluated at different time intervals 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min (T0–T240) for viscosity and it was evaluated by pipette method. Immediately after collection, the viscosity was very high, and no sperm mass motility was seen. However, after enzyme treatment viscosity was showed declining trend in all treatment groups compared to control. In trypsin treated group maximum motility was reached in 15 minutes. Live-dead percent was observed to be similar among treatment groups. Observations on liquefaction of semen revealed that use of enzymes decreasing the viscosity but with different rates.

Immunohistochemical expression of apoptosis-related biomarkers in normal tissues of camel (Camelus dromedarius): A survey in a desert-dwelling mammalian model

Programmed cell death is a fundamental event that takes place during organ development and plays an important role in cellular homeostasis. Since various body organs of the camel are under high ecological and physiological stress during food and water deprivation, desiccation, and the long exposure to solar radiation in these desert nomads, we aimed to examine the immunohistochemical expression of apoptosis-related biomarkers in some of its normal body organs to illustrate a basic track for further pathological investigation. Regarding apoptosis, the present study has revealed that the higher expression of cleaved caspase-9 (CC9) [initiator of the intrinsic pathway] and CC3 (effector caspase), and the scanty expression of CC8 (initiator of the extrinsic pathway), highlight the role of the caspase-dependent, intrinsic apoptotic pathway particularly in the intestines and lymphoid organs. The apoptosis- inducing factor (AIF)-immunoexpression was completely missing in the cell nuclei of the examined tissues, indicating the absence of the caspase-independent pathway. The nuclear overexpression of the phospho-histone H2AX (γ H2AX) and the occasional expression of single-stranded DNA, particularly among the CNS neurons, suggest an efficient, protective DNA-repair mechanism in such cells. Thus, despite efficient anti-apoptotic mechanisms intrinsic apoptotic pathways exists in brain, intestine and lymph organs of adult desert camels.

Spatio-temporal variations in camel (&lt;i&gt;Camelus dromedarius&lt;/i&gt;) foraging behaviour on rangeland ecosystem of semi-arid north western Nigeria

A considerable number of the dromedary camels are found in the semi-arid part of Northern Nigeria. Apart from the wide use of the camel as a draught animal it now serves as a source of milk, meat and hide in this region. This paper examines the foraging behaviour of the camel on the rangeland in order to determine its major daily activities as influenced by season, sex and age to enable us improve the biodiversity of our rangelands. Four categories of animals (Adult male, Adult Female, Young Male and Young Female) were followed for three consecutive days in both dry and rainy seasons. The result indicates that the time spent by the camels in the two seasons (Wet and Dry) and between Male and Female on various activities were significant (P&lt;0.05). However, there was also a significant difference between the behaviour of the adult and younger camels. In can be concluded that camel spends most of its time grazing during the day and the grazing time is higher in the wet season which is related to the forages availability and that the behaviour is influenced by age rather than sex.Keywords: Behaviour, Camel, Ecosystem, Foraging, Rangeland

Two new gene clusters involved in the degradation of plant cell wall from the fecal microbiota of Tunisian dromedary.

Dromedaries are capable of digesting plant cell wall with high content of lignocellulose of poor digestibility. Consequently, their intestinal microbiota can be a source of novel carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). To the best of our knowledge, no data are available describing the biochemical analysis of enzymes in dromedary intestinal microbiota. To investigate new hydrolytic enzymes from the dromedary gut, a fosmid library was constructed using metagenomic DNA from feces of non-domestic adult dromedary camels living in the Tunisian desert. High-throughput functional screening of 13756 clones resulted in 47 hit clones active on a panel of various chromogenic and non-chromogenic glycan substrates. Two of them, harboring multiple activities, were retained for further analysis. Clone 26H3 displayed activity on AZO-CM-cellulose, AZCL Carob galactomannan and Tween 20, while clone 36A23 was active on AZCL carob galactomannan and AZCL barley β-glucan. The functional annotation of their sequences highlighted original metagenomic loci originating from bacteria of the Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi group, involved in the metabolization of mannosides and β-glucans thanks to a complete battery of endo- and exo-acting glycoside hydrolases, esterases, phosphorylases and transporters.

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Tripoli, Libya.

The aim of this study was to characterize serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern in apparently healthy adult male (age: 3-7 years) dromedary camels and also evaluate total protein and albumin levels using automated analyzer. Blood samples were taken from 20 camels. 5ml of blood was collected from the jugular vein and serum was separated from samples by centrifugation. Capillary electrophoresis of serum proteins identified six protein fractions in adult camels, including albumin, alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and gamma globulins, serum levels of these parameters were 3.9±0.04 g/dl, 0.16±0.01 g/dl, 0.39±0.03 g/dl, 0.515±0.03 g/dl, 0.205±0.01 g/dl and 0.61±0.04 g/dl, and 65.42±0.62 g/l, respectively. The total protein concentration was 65.42±0.62 g/L, while, the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio was 2.4±0.14. The present study indicates six peaks with minicapillary electrophoresis and the results obtained were compared and interpreted in the light of finding reported by other investigators in camels.

Approche morphozoométrique de chamelles (&lt;em&gt;Camelus dromedarius&lt;/em&gt;, L.) des populations algériennes Sahraoui et Targui

L’objectif de cette étude était de comparer les caractérisations morphologiques et de déterminer l’indice de gracilité d’après des mesures zoométriques sur des chamelles adultes de deux populations algériennes, la Sahraoui et la Targui. Les mesures ont été réalisées sur des dromadaires femelles – 30 Sahraoui et 30 Targui – de plus de cinq ans dans le Sahara septentrional (région de Ouargla). Quatre mensurations ont été faites, puis l’indice de gracilité et le poids vif ont été calculés. Des équations de régression linéaire ont été proposées afin d’esti­mer le poids vif des animaux et la hauteur au garrot à partir des mensurations corrélées. Les valeurs moyennes des poids vifs des Sahraoui et des Targui étaient respectivement de 399 ± 74 kg et de 428 ± 82 kg, pour une hauteur au garrot de 1,75 ± 0,08 m et de 1,81 ± 0,08 m. Elles étaient respectivement de 0,96 ± 0,05 m et 0,97 ± 0,08 m pour le vide sous-sternal, de 0,80 ± 0,08 et 0,84 ± 0,07 pour la profondeur thoracique, et de 1,20 ± 0,13 m et 1,18 ± 0,16 m pour l’indice de gracilité sous-sternal. Cette étude montre que la chamelle Tar­gui est un peu plus gracile que la chamelle Sahraoui. Ces populations sont éga­lement associées à un ensemble de pratiques alimentaires, elles-mêmes liées à la qualité des parcours dont l’influence sur le développement morphologique des animaux a été largement observée.

Physical and kinematic properties of cryopreserved camel sperm after elimination of semen viscosity by different techniques

This investigation aimed to determine the influence of using different techniques for liquefaction of semen on post-thaw physical and dynamic characteristics of camel spermatozoa. A total of 144 ejaculates were collected from 3 adult camels, Camelus dromedarius, twice-weekly over 3 consecutive breeding seasons. A raw aliquot of each ejaculate was evaluated for physical and morphological properties, whereas the remaining portion was diluted (1:3) with glycerolated Tris lactose egg yolk extender, and was further subjected to one of the following liquefaction treatments: control (untreated), 5 μl/ml α-amylase, 0.1 mg/ml papain, 5 u/ml bromelain, or 40-kHz nominal ultrasound frequency. The post-thaw objective assessment of cryopreserved spermatozoa, in all groups, was performed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The results revealed that all liquefaction treatments improved (P < 0.05) post-thaw motility, viability and sperm motion criteria. However, an adverse effect (P < 0.05) was observed in acrosome integrity, sperm cell membrane integrity and percent of normal sperm in all enzymatically-treated specimens compared to both control and ultrasound-treated semen. These results elucidate the efficiency of utilizing ultrasound technology for viscosity elimination of camel semen. In addition, developing enzymatic semen liquefaction techniques is imperious to benefit from when applying assisted reproductive technologies, particularly AI and IVF, in camels.

A STUDY OF MILK CLOTTING ACTIVITY OF CRUDE GASTRIC RENNET EXTRACTED FROM CAMELS' ABOMASUM AT DIFFERENT AGES

camel rennet was extracted from camel calf stomachs by the method used for bovine rennet. Coagulation of camel milk for the production of cheese has been proved to be difficult by the use of the available commercial rennet. Therefore that study was focused on the use of crude gastric enzymes extracted from different parts stomach at different ages (1, 3 and 5 years old). The non-purified gastric enzymes extracts from camels (GEC) different parts of stomach and at different ages were characterized by their rennin units (RU/g), milk clotting time (Sec.) and proteolytic activities. The conditions of milk clotting by the crude gastric enzymes extracted were optimized at different pH 5.5, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 and rennin units (RU/g). The results concluded that the extracting solution from the behind part of the stomach was the greatest rennin units (RU/g), milk clotting time (Sec.) and proteolytic activities compared with the extracting solution from the front part of the stomach pH4.5. The good substitute for calves' rennet can be obtained from the dried vells of camel and can be named adult camel rennet.

First cloned Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) calf produced by interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer: A step towards preserving the critically endangered wild Bactrian camels.

Studies were conducted to explore the possibility of employing dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) oocytes as recipient cytoplasts for the development of interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos using skin fibroblast cells of an adult Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and Llama (Llama glama) as donor nuclei. Also, the embryos reconstructed with Bactrian cells were transferred into the uterus of synchronized dromedary camel recipients to explore the possibility of using them as surrogate mothers. Serum-starved skin fibroblast cells were injected into the perivitelline space of enucleated mature oocytes, collected from super-stimulated dromedary camels, and fused using an Eppendorf electroporator. After activation with 5μM ionomycin and 6-dimethylaminopurine, they were cultured at 38.5°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 in air. In experiment 1, Day 7 blastocysts were stained with Hoechst to count their cell numbers, while in experiment 2, they were transferred to synchronized dromedary recipients. A lower number (P < 0.05) of blastocysts were obtained from reconstructs utilizing fibroblast cells from Llama when compared with those reconstructed with dromedary and Bactrian fibroblast cells. However, no difference was observed in their cell numbers. In experiment 2, a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of blastocysts were obtained from the cleaved embryos reconstructed with Bactrian fibroblast cells when compared to those reconstructed with dromedary cells. Twenty-six Day 7 blastocysts reconstructed with Bactrian cells were transferred to 23 synchronized dromedary recipients with 5 pregnancies established on Day 30, however, only one of the pregnancies developed to term and a healthy calf weighing 33 kgs was born after completing 392 days of gestation. Unfortunately, the calf died on day 7 due to acute septicemia. In conclusion, the present study reports, for the first time, birth of a cloned Bactrian calf by iSCNT using dromedary camel as a source for oocytes as well as a surrogate for carrying the pregnancy to term.

English

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2014 and May 2015, to determine the sero-prevalence, assess the presence of active cases through isolation and identify possible risk factors for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) in camels, in selected areas of Oromia and Afar regional states of Ethiopia. A total of 569 dromedary camel sera were collected and screened with two serological tests: Pseudo particle neutralization for screening and Micro-neutralization test for confirmation. The overall prevalence of MERS-CoV in the study area was 93% (n=529). Higher prevalence (93.9%) was recorded in female dromedary camels compared to males (91.3%) but the difference was not significant (Chi-Square=1.323 and P=0.250). Age wise prevalence was higher in adult camels (94.6%) than young ones (90.8%), however the difference was statistically insignificant (Chi-Square=3.068 and P=0.080). Similarly, higher prevalence was recorded in larger herds (93.4%) than small herds but the difference observed was not statistically significant (Chi-Square=0.220 and p=0.639). Also, no significant (Chi-Square 0.525 and P=0.469) difference was observed in prevalence between the two regions (Oromia=93.3% and Afar=93.3%). However significant difference was observed in the lower administrations of the regions (Zones, District and Kebeles) in which the highest prevalence recorded in East Shoa, Fentale district of Adis Ketema kebele (99.3%). From total of 100 swabs collected, MERS-CoV was detected in seven (1 Fentale, 4 Amibara and 2 Dubti) districts by Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Generally, this study showed the existence of high seroprevalence of MERS-CoV among Ethiopian dromedary camels, which was also confirmed by RT-PCR. Therefore further study is required to determine its significance from both animal and public health perspectives and further research should focus on identifying similarity between MERS-CoV viral isolates in neighboring countries and clinical isolates from the Middle East and elsewhere. Key words: Dromedary camel, MERS-CoV, serum, swab, Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Ethiopia.

Effects of natural environment on reproductive histo-morphometric dynamics of female dromedary camel

Camel shows a seasonal breeding pattern with enhanced reproductive activity during the period of low climatic temperature, high rainfall and better food conditions. Therefore, the study was conducted to explore the underlying seasonal effects on histological dimensions of reproductive tract in adult female one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) kept in the natural environment of Pakistan. A total 25 reproductive tracts were collected during spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons and were analysed for histo-morphometric parameters during different environmental conditions. A significant increase in number (p<0.05) and size (p<0.05) of surface with secondary and tertiary ovarian follicles was observed in winter season. The epithelial height (p<0.05) and luminal diameter (p<0.05) of infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus of uterine tubes were also significantly increased during winter season. Moreover, significantly increased length (p<0.05) and circumference (p<0.05) of uterine cornua, increased number (p<0.001) and diameter (p<0.001) of endometrial glands with enlarged surface and glandular epithelia (p<0.001) were found in winter compared to summer season. Therefore, we concluded that quiescent ovarian follicular and uterine glandular activities are the main reason of camel low breeding during summer season.