Recent achievements for improving reproductive efficiency of dromedary camels in Egypt

الملخص EN

Over the past decade, the realization of camel importance increased exponentially, not only in the Arabian world, but also by developmental organizations and decision makers all over the globe.

Versatility of camels to survive and produce under escalating desertification and drastic environmental conditions has drawn the attention to this uniquely-adapted animal.

Consequently, research on camels was motivated in different areas to compensate a long period of neglecting this specie compared to other domestic animals.

The low reproductive efficiency of camels, particularly those reared under poor pastoral systems, has been well emphasized.

In recent years, our research team at Laboratory of Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Mariout Research Station, Alexandria, Egypt strived to enhance reproductive performance of camels by developing assisted reproductive techniques.

For instance, improving cryopreservation capacity of spermatozoa via enriching the diluents with additives ; as well by developing procedures to eliminate semen viscosity has been addressed.

With respect to females, new techniques and modalities for induction of synchronized multiple ovulation were expanded, while practical in-field estrus detection was, for the first time, appropriately determined.

Furthermore, employing sophisticated molecular genetics techniques to identify potential fertility of males was endeavored.

Developing in vitro fertilization procedure and non-conventional embryo production by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were also disclosed.

In the present review we aimed to spot the light on recent achievements for enhancing camel reproductive efficiency in Egypt.

Potential future research prospects were also proposed.