Pregnant Camels Research Articles

Ethnopharmacological survey of the therapeutic use of camel urine in the Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra regions of Morocco

The therapeutic use of camel urine (CU) has shown an increasing trend in recent decades for treating diverse ailments and infections. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted to collect and document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of local people in the Saharan region of Morocco, including the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra and Guelmim Oued Noun regions, regarding the traditional use of CU for treatment. Semi-structured interviews with 384 traditional practitioners, camel herders, and rural and urban dwellers were conducted from December 2022 to June 2023. The collected data covered diseases treated, CU quality attributes, modes of preparation, dosage, administration, treatment duration, and mild side effects. Quantitative data analysis was performed through the relative frequency of citations, informant consensus factor, informant agreement ratio, cultural importance index, and fidelity level. The results showed that CU was collected from virgin female camels (46.7 %) and pregnant camels (51.6 %) at different age stages (39.7 %) in both wet and dry seasons (57.5 %). For the treatment of the most common ailments (cancer, liver diseases, gastric ulcers, diabetes, and tuberculosis), accounting for 69 %, the recommended regimen involved orally consuming one teacup (69 %) of fresh urine (70.6 %) on an empty stomach (91.1 %) once a day (87.1 %) four days a week (56 %). In the case of integumentary system problems, applying one (13.2 %) to three teaspoons (17.8 %) topically (10.3 %) was also effective. Secondary effects occurred in 48 cases (13.8 %), including diarrhea (13 cases), nausea (11 cases), headache (7 cases), constipation (7 cases), and dry mouth (8 cases). The duration of these effects ranged from 2 to 3 h. The present survey indicates that CU is still used in traditional medicine by local inhabitants of the southern regions of Morocco to cure various human illnesses. The outlined findings strongly suggest the usefulness of CU as a valuable source of bioactive molecules for pharmaceutical, dermo-cosmeceutical applications, and developing innovative food supplements that promote significant job creation and entrepreneurial prospects.

Fetal gender prediction by monitoring circulating steroid hormones and some biochemical parameters in maternal dromedary camels.

To predict the sex of the foetus, healthy pregnant dromedary camels (n = 24) were included. Blood samples were collected for measurements of progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol as well as total proteins, albumin, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Statistical analysis revealed differences between pregnant camels and pregnant camels in terms of female or male foetuses depending on the actual sex of the born calf. The results revealed that testosterone and ALP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) greater in camels given to males than in those given to calves. There were strong positive correlations between male calf birth and testosterone and ALP concentrations (r = 0.864; P < 0.0001 and r = 0.637; P < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower (P lower in camel calved males than in females). There were significant negative correlations between male calf birth and the cortisol, glucose and creatinine concentrations (r =-0.401; P = 0.052; r =-0.445; P = 0.029 and r =-0.400; P = 0.053, respectively). The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, calcium/phosphorus ratio, magnesium, and albumin and the albumin/globulin ratio were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the two groups. In conclusion, testosterone could be used as a biomarker to determine the sex of foetuses in dromedary camels.

Effects of concentrate supplementation on lactating Dromedary Camels during mating season in Isiolo, Kenya

Camels are resilient and have a high potential to contribute to food security and economic development in arid areas. However, this potential is being limited by diminishing feed resources due to the effects of climate change. Further, there is an upcoming peri-urban camel production system where the animals are limited in their movement. Consequently, camels do not get enough browse forages in terms of biomass and quality to meet their nutritional requirement. This has resulted in decreased production and reproductive performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of concentrate supplementation on lactating camels on productive and reproductive performance during mating season. A diet containing 16.80% crude protein (CP) and a digestible energy of 8.44 MJ/Kg was formulated and supplemented in the evenings with a group of ten camels. Another group of 10 camels acted as the control. Milking was done in the morning and production from each camel was recorded in liters. Percentage milk fat and protein analysis were done weekly using Gerber and Kjeldahl methods respectively. Serum biochemical levels were determined using spectrophotometry in the fourth week. Confirmation of pregnancy was done on the 5th month after mating by chemiluminescent progesterone assay. Camels were then divided into four groups. These were, supplemented pregnant(4) supplemented and not pregnant(6) un-supplemented pregnant(1), and un-supplemented and not pregnant(9). Paired mean comparisons were done to ascertain differences within the four groups. Mean daily milk production was 25.26±0.42 and 22.79±0.41 liters for supplemented and un-supplemented groups respectively (p&lt;0.001). Paired mean differences were highest between pregnant supplemented and pregnant un-supplemented pair (p=0.165). Biochemical profiles, mean milk protein and fat percentages were significantly higher for supplemented than un-supplemented (p˂0.05). All supplemented camels were mated within the first two weeks and had a higher conception rate (40%) than un-supplemented (10%). The study recommends concentrate supplementation during mating season to improve fertility and milk production, especially in pregnant camels.

Effects of Season, Productive State, Age and Agro-ecology on Blood Biochemical Characteristics of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Natural Browsing Environment

Background: Blood biochemistry and reference intervals assist in distinguishing between healthy and productive camels as well as providing information for nutritional conditions, evaluation and monitoring when they are allowed to browse naturally; nevertheless, these intervals are frequently collected from animals of varying ages. The nutritional condition and biochemical markers of dromedary camels in pastoral systems in southern Ethiopia were investigated in this study, which took season, animal status, age and environmental variables into consideration. Methods: A total of 36 camels were divided into three groups based on their age ( greater than 8 years, 5-8 years, or less than 5 years) and productive state (milking, pregnant and young) in two environments (two herds in arid and semi-arid areas). Blood samples were collected from animals’ neck jugular veins, centrifuged and frozen for analysis. The samples were centrifuged (3000 rpm for 10 min) immediately after their arrival at the laboratory. Serum concentrations of glucose, protein, urea, creatinine, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured using spectrophotometry. Result: This study shows that glucose (91.33+7.30 mg/dl), total protein (7.17+0.15 mg/dl) and triglyceride (75.28+5.38 mg/dl) concentrations were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) during the rainy season, whereas urea (32.06+1.18 mg/l) and creatinine levels were significantly higher during the dry season. The study reveals increased glucose, total protein and triglyceride concentrations in camels during the rainy season, while urea and creatinine levels were higher during the dry season. Arid camels had lower serum concentrations of total protein and urea. Milking and pregnant camels had lower total serum protein, triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Transcriptome analysis of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) reveals candidate genes affecting milk production traits

BackgroundMilk production traits are complex traits with vital economic importance in the camel industry. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating milk production traits in camels remain poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect milk production traits in Bactrian camels.MethodsWe classified camels (fourth parity) as low- or high-yield, examined pregnant camels using B-mode ultrasonography, observed the microscopic changes in the mammary gland using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways.ResultsThe average standard milk yield over the 300 days during parity was recorded as 470.18 ± 9.75 and 978.34 ± 3.80 kg in low- and high-performance camels, respectively. Nine female Junggar Bactrian camels were subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and 609 and 393 DEGs were identified in the low-yield vs. high-yield (WDL vs. WGH) and pregnancy versus colostrum period (RSQ vs. CRQ) comparison groups, respectively. The DEGs were compared with genes associated with milk production traits in the Animal Quantitative Trait Loci database and in Alashan Bactrian camels, and 65 and 46 overlapping candidate genes were obtained, respectively. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analyses of the DEGs and candidate genes were conducted. After comparing our results with those of other livestock studies, we identified 16 signaling pathways and 27 core candidate genes associated with maternal parturition, estrogen regulation, initiation of lactation, and milk production traits. The pathways suggest that emerged milk production involves the regulation of multiple complex metabolic and cellular developmental processes in camels. Finally, the RNA sequencing results were validated using quantitative real-time PCR; the 15 selected genes exhibited consistent expression changes.ConclusionsThis study identified DEGs and metabolic pathways affecting maternal parturition and milk production traits. The results provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of genes related to milk production traits in camels. Furthermore, these findings will help improve breeding strategies to achieve the desired milk yield in camels.Graphical

Temporospatial expression of osteopontin in both left and right uterine horns during the peri-implantation period of dromedary camel

Pregnancy in camels is established and maintained predominantly in the left uterine horn (98% frequency), whereas pregnancies occurring in the right horn result in early embryonic death. Aside from other reasons such as asynchrony of conceptus signaling and uterine receptivity, this phenomenon contributes to low reproductive efficiency in camels. The current research focuses on the expression of osteopontin (OPN), an extracellular matrix protein and adhesion molecule involved in implantation in mammals. Based on the differences in the pregnancy rate between the left and right horns, the temporal and spatial OPN expression was analyzed during the peri-implantation period on Days 8, 10, and 12. Results showed that OPN expression on Day 10 significantly increased by 14.5 fold in the left and 8.4-fold in the right uterine horn. By Day 12, OPN expression increased to 39.4 fold in the left and increased 7-fold in the right horn compared with non-mated females. Only the full length, 70-kDa OPN, was detected and upregulated with advancing pregnancy, with higher intensity in the left uterine horns than in the right. Spatially, OPN was predominantly localized on the apical uterine luminal and glandular epithelium in all camels. Moreover, OPN was detected in the stratum compactum stroma of pregnant camels. In conclusion, OPN mRNA and protein were detected and upregulated during the peri-implantation period, with higher OPN expression detected in the left uterine horn than in the right. OPN may be regulated by the presence of the embryo in the left uterine horn due to its role in embryo adhesion, implantation and placentation.

Dystocia Caused by Uterine Torsion and Surgical Intervention by Cesarean Section in She-Camel (Case Report)

This case was recorded in Basra province, southern Iraq, in February 2018. A case of a pregnant camel was reported in the last days of pregnancy, according to the owner of the animal and the date of the case. As soon as the case was received at the veterinary consulting clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine - University of Basra, the camel was suffering from labor contractions for two days, without the appearance of fetal fluids or a fetal sac (water bag). The animal was manually examined vaginally, and it was found that there was a twisting of the uterus (uterine torsion) in a counterclockwise direction of 180 degrees. The decision was made by the specialists that a cesarean section should be performed. A cesarean section was performed and a dead fetus was extracted. The necessary dealings were taken after the operation and instructions were given to the owner to take care of the animal and to complete the required treatments.

Dynamic expression pattern of genes related to implantation and vascularization in pregnant dromedary camels

Dynamic expression pattern of genes related to implantation and vascularization in pregnant dromedary camels

Effect of advancing the breeding season on reproductive performance of dromedary camels

This study examines the effect of advancing the breeding season on the reproductive performance of dromedary camels under an intensive management system. Using a synchronization protocol, timed natural mating in female camels was carried out either in September (2 months ahead of the natural breeding season, n = 182) or December (peak breeding season, n = 115). The ovarian responses (size of the dominant follicle at the time of mating and ovulation), pregnancy rate, and pregnancy losses were evaluated using ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected after mating to assess progesterone concentrations by RIA. The libido of male camels (n = 13) was evaluated objectively. Results showed that the percentage of female camels with an optimal sized follicle (11–17 mm) for breeding at the time of mating was lower in September compared to December (81.9 vs 91.3%, P = 0.03). The libido of male camels was lower in September than in December (P <0.001). The ovulation rate (86.3 vs 93.9%, P = 0.04), size of the ovulated follicle (12.7 ± 0.1 vs 13.7 ± 0.2 mm, P <0.001), pregnancy rates on Day 14 (47.8 vs 72.2%, P <0.001) and Day 90 (38.5 vs 60.9%, P <0.001) after mating was lower in September compared to December. However, pregnancy loss was not affected between months (15.7 vs 19.5%, P = 0.3). Among pregnant camels, the progesterone concentrations on Days 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 after mating were lower in September as compared to December (P <0.001). In non-pregnant camels, the progesterone concentrations on Days 6, 8 and 10 after mating were also lower in September as compared to December (P <0.001). In conclusion, advancing the breeding season by two months, significantly affects the reproductive performance of dromedary camels, yet, acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved.

Monitoring of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Activity in a Secluded Herd of Camels Kept Under Field Conditions.

Background: Camel-to-human transmission of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was confirmed as a cause of primary infection in humans. There is a dearth of information regarding the behavior of the virus in camels and the mode of spread among them under natural conditions. The aim of this study was to monitor exposure of camels to the MERS-CoV under field conditions. Methods: From January 1 to November 30, 2015, a secluded herd of 20 pregnant female camels and their neonate calves was established. Nasal and rectal swabs were collected from calves daily for 90 days after birth, then weekly until the end of the study. Nasal and rectal samples were collected from the dams at outset and then weekly until the end of the study. The samples were tested with rtRT-PCR to detect the MERS-CoV RNA. Results: All purchased pregnant camels were MERS-CoV RNA negative at outset. Nineteen dams and 15 calves completed the study. Seven (46.7%) of the 15 calves developed a rise in rectal temperature (39-40°C), shivering, rhinitis, anorexia, and general weakness at a mean ± standard deviation of 18.9 ± 4.9 days of age and their MERS-CoV RNA test was positive on the first day of illness. Three of the seven infected calves died 14 ± 9.1 days postonset of illness at age 17, 14, and 46 days, respectively. The remaining four infected calves fully recovered and they were MERS-CoV RNA positive for 17.5 ± 8.8 days. Four (21.1%) of the 19 dams had positive tests; three dams had no clinical signs, whereas the fourth dam exhibited signs not compatible with MERS-CoV infection and died three days after the positive test, 33 days after parturition. All MERS-CoV infections occurred within 22 days. Conclusions: This study has expanded our understanding of the MERS-CoV epidemiology among camels, which is an important step forward to device effective preventive measures.

Differential molecular and hormonal changes in oocytes, granulosa cells and follicular fluid of pregnant and non-pregnant camels.

This study aimed to compare the expression of genes regulating follicles development, survival and steroid hormones secretion in oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) and study the correlation between their expression and follicular fluid (FF) levels of progesterone (P4) in pregnant and non-pregnant camels. In total, 138 ovarian pairs from slaughtered camels were used. Gene expression and hormonal assay were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The obtained results revealed that the number of follicles (3-8 mm) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pregnant, compared with non-pregnant, camels. P4 level in the FF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in pregnant, compared with non-pregnant, camels. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed in the oestradiol (E2) level. STAR, PTEN, IGF1 and BCL2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in GCs and significantly lower in oocytes of pregnant, compared with non-pregnant, camels. However, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA level was significantly lower in GCs and oocytes, and the BMP15 mRNA level was significantly lower in oocytes of pregnant, compared with non-pregnant, camels. P4 level in FF was positively correlated with STAR, PTEN, IGF1 and BCL2 mRNA levels in GCs and negatively correlated with BMP15 mRNA levels in oocytes and FSHR mRNA levels in GCs and oocytes of pregnant camels. It could be concluded that pregnancy-induced variations in oocytes and GC expression of BMP15, IGF1, FSHR, STAR, BCL2, and PTEN genes might be associated with a decrease in the number of follicles and an increase in the FF level of P4.

Farming and pastoral systems shape the physiological and immunological indices of the dromedary she-camels

Background: Camel (Camelus dromedarius) is a vital animal to the daily life of the desert as a source of food and transportation, its milk is used as medicine for diverse ailments. Aim: This study was planned to evaluate the effect of two different feeding systems (farming and pastoral systems) on physiological and immunological indices of one-humped dromedary she-camels during different physiological stages. Material and methods: Forty female camels under farm and grazing systems were used from the Camel Experimental Flock in Matrouh (farming system) and Bedouin flock in a grazing unit in the same area (pastoral system). Blood samples were collected during different physiological stages to determine the desired parameters. Results: It was revealed that lymphocytes significantly increased in grazing camels as compared to farm ones. Leukocytes significantly increased in post-partum and lactation than other camels. The number of RBCs increased significantly in pregnant and lactating than other camels. Albumin increased significantly in pregnant and lactating camels and decreased in dry and post-partum. Results showed a significant increase in blood lipids including total lipids, phospholipids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins in farm camels compared to grazing ones. Lactating and pregnant camels showed a significant increase in cholesterol compared to dry and post-partum. In lactating camels, insulin significantly increased compared to other groups. But, cortisol significantly increased in post-partum camels. Conclusion: Farm camels show better physiological and immunological profiles than grazing ones reflect the importance of supplementary feeding especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Trace Elements Profiles of Pregnant Camels (Camilus dromedaries), Fetus and Amniotic Fluid at Birth and their Association with Calf Birth Weight

Trace Elements Profiles of Pregnant Camels (Camilus dromedaries), Fetus and Amniotic Fluid at Birth and their Association with Calf Birth Weight

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

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.

Genetic parameters of birth weight trait in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Birth weight data of dromedary calves from the database of one of the world’s largest dairy herds (Dubai, UAE) were analyzed for the period from 2007 to 2018. The assessment included the data of 4124 camel calves that were classified into six ecotypes (Emirate, Emirate crossed, Black, Pakistanian, Saudi-Sudanian, and Saudi crossed). The aim of the study was to describe the heritability of birth weight of calves and the breeding value of sires. Genetic parameters of birth weight were estimated by ANOVA model and two BLUP animal models as well. The mean value of the camel calves’ birth weight was 34.75 ± 5.67 kg. The direct heritability of birth weight (h2d = 0.09 ± 0.04–0.11 ± 0.03) was rather low, so was the maternal heritability (h2m = 0.23 ± 0.10–0.50 ± 0.06). The maternal effect from environmental origin (c2 = 0.23 ± 0.08) far exceeded the results previously calculated in cattle. There was no difference in reliability between BLUP1 and BLUP2 models, and both of them were more accurate than the ANOVA model. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the birth weight of dromedary calves was more influenced by the dam’s intrauterine rearing capacity and by the environment, management, and feeding of the pregnant female camels than the hereditary growth potential. Considerable differences were found among male dromedaries in their breeding values for the birth weight trait.

PSXIII-37 Alteration of mRNA abundance of the oxidizing factors-related genes during the transition period in dromedary camel

Abstract Livestock near and during parturition have a complex defense system against environmental and physiological stresses. Little knowledge exists for some livestock species, such as camels, during this time. However, camels are an important species in some areas of the world. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the expression of genes responsible for the regeneration of hepatic oxidizing factors. Ten multiparous (2.38 ± 0.56; mean ± SEM parity) pregnant camels weighing 527.94 ± 73.46 kg BW were studied. Camels pastured daily, kept in individual stalls nightly with a partial mixed ration and free access to water while in stalls. Hepatic biopsies were taken days 60, 45, 30, and 15 antepartum (AP) and days 3, 15, 30, 45, and 60 postpartum (PP). The mRNA abundance of glutathione reductase (GSR1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1), and sulfiredoxin (Srx1) were determined using the qPCR technique. Significances were determined using the general linear model with repeated measures of IBM SPSS statistics software v. 21.0 and are presented as means ± SEM (Figure 1). Means differences were determined using LSD test and considered significant if P values &amp;lt; 0.05. Compared to d 60AP, mRNA abundance of TrxR1 and Srx1 reached their peak at d 3PP (P ≤ 0.03). Although TrxR1 decreased slightly by d 15 and 30PP compared to d 3PP (P = 0.04), it was higher compared to all AP time-points (P ≤ 0.05). mRNA abundance of Srx1 decreased at d 30PP compared to d 3PP (P = 0.05). In contrast, the frequency of the GSR1 mRNA was static until d 30PP, reduced slightly (P ≤ 0.05) then was unchanged to the end of the study period. These results show that genes responsible for hepatic oxidizing factors could be considered immunoregulatory factors for orchestrating cytoprotective systems against oxidative stress.

PSXIII-36 The inflammatory response in cellular level changes during the transition period in dromedary camel

Abstract During the physiological transition around calving, many aspects of innate and acquired defence are suboptimal. Liver antioxidants would be expected to fluctuate during this time and could be affected by Nrf2 through some means of regulation. However, there is a lack of data on the initiation time of such defence systems against oxidative stress around calving in dromedary camels. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in expression of the responsible genes in the metabolism of antioxidant factors in hepatic tissue of camels at parturition. We studied ten multiparous (2.38 ± 0.56; mean parity) pregnant camels weighing 527.94 ± 73.46 kg BW during four months around parturition. Camels were pastured during the day, kept in individual stalls during the night, and provided with partial mixed ration and free access to water in the stalls. The mRNA abundance of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and Peroxiredoxin (Prx) were studied in the hepatic tissues from biopsies obtained at days 60, 45, 30, and 15 antepartum (AP) and days 3, 15, 30, 45, and 60 postpartum (PP), using qPCR technique. Compared to d 60AP, mRNA abundance of SOD1, GPx3, and also Prx1 (P = 0.05), remained unchanged. mRNA of the SOD3 reached a peak at d 3PP (P = 0.01), declined gradually until d 45PP and remained at that level until the experiment’s end. However, the abundance of GPx4 mRNA did not change from d 60AP until d 30PP, then decreased marginally, and stayed at that level to d 60 PP. GPx4 was significantly lower from d 30 to 60PP compared to d 3PP (P ≤ 0.05). These results may help substantiate the increased expression of Nrf2 during this period. Nrf2 could be considered as a primary immunoregulatory factor for orchestrating the genes responsible for cytoprotective systems against oxidative stress.

Study of the circulatory energy balance indicators and hepatic fat content in dromedary camel during late pregnancy and early lactation

Lipid metabolism is a hallmark of energy metabolism in periparturient animals. Due to the lack of reports on fat metabolism during the transition period in camels, this study aimed to manifest the fluctuations in the fat metabolism indicators in serum and liver of camels during this period. Ten multiparous (with the parity of 2.38 ± 0.56; mean ± SEM) camels with a body weight of 527.94 ± 73.46 kg were studied 60 days antepartum (AP) until 60 days post-partum (PP). Blood was sampled at about (± three days) 60, 45, 30, 15, and three days before parturition, at parturition, and at the same time points during PP. Liver samples were collected through blind biopsy at about 15 days before calving, and at the same time points with blood collection during PP. No significant difference was observed for the concentration of TAG in the liver between days 15 AP until 3 PP. A definite increase was observed for liver TAG content at day 15 AP, which decreased gradually afterward (P < 0.05). Liver glycogen after an abrupt fall at parturition (P < 0.01), escalated during PP. Circulatory glucose decreased 15 days AP (P = 0.03) and did not return to the previous level until the end of the investigation. Right before parturition, serum TAG was distinctly low, but ascended 15 days PP (P < 0.05), and remained quite constant until the end of the study. Total lipid, phospholipids, HDL, and VLDL, were lowest at parturition (P < 0.05), then escalated temporally. As expected the correlation between serum concentrations of NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) during days 15 AP and 60 PP were highly positive (0.74; P < 0.01). Although hepatic TAG content was positively correlated with serum NEFA and BHB (P < 0.01), glycogen content of the liver revealed highly negative (P < 0.01) correlation with these two serum metabolites (both −0.75). This study, for the first time, denoted the preeminent fluctuations in lipid metabolism indicators during the physiological transition in pregnant camels. These results may be useful for comparative studies between camels and other species.

Foetal Wastage in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir, Katsina State Nigeria

Foetal wastage through slaughter of pregnant camels was evaluated for a period of six months (from July–December, 2017) at Katsina abattoir. A total of 738 camels were slaughtered within the study period out of which 456 (62%) were females. 64 (14%) of the number were pregnant. It was observed that, of the 64 Foetuses, 15 (23%) were in the first trimester, 30(47%) were in second trimester and 19 (30%) were in third trimester. Estimated financial losses annually through slaughter of pregnant camels at Katsina central abattoir was ₦16,640,000. It was concluded that relevant government agencies should ensure enforcement of policies relating sales of pregnant camels for slaughter. Adequate ante-mortem inspection be carried out, enlightment campaigns on farmers and butchers on the financial implication of slaughtering pregnant camels.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GESTATION PERIODS ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF IRAQI FEMALE DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of different gestation periods on hematological and biochemical profile of Iraqi female camel. The study was done at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fallujah during the period from August, 1 to July, 11, 2013. The experiment included 12 (6 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant), Iraqi female camels. Blood samples were collected at days 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 post-mating (PM). The blood samples for hematological, biochemical and plasma minerals assay. ESR and eosinophils were showed no significant different (P≤0.05) during different gestation period. Excluding data for cholesterol, HDL and LDL, all other biochemical parameters in pregnant camels showed higher significant differences (P≤0.05). Calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium and magnesium were increased significantly different (P≤0.05) during various gestation period. Non-significant differences were observed between pregnant and non–pregnant females in WBC's, ESR, MCHC and differential leukocytes count, while P.C.V, Hb, RBC's, MCV and MCH exhibited higher significant different (P≤0.05) between different stages. The total protein, albumin, HDL and LDL higher significant different (P≤0.05), all other biochemical parameters between pregnant and non– pregnant were showed non- significant. Phosphorous was the unique mineral showed increased significant different (P≤0.05) between pregnant and non–pregnant female camels. In conclusion, different effects of gestation periods were noticed on some hematological, biochemical parameters as well as plasma minerals of Iraqi female camels.