Chronology of conceptus development and gestational age determination in dromedary camels between 15-83 days of pregnancy using ultrasonography

Abstract EN

The aims of the current study were to determine the chronology of development of some embryo/fetal parts and determine gestational age through measurement of different fetal parts from the day of pregnancy detection to 83rd day of gestation using real time and color Doppler ultrasonography.

First day of detection of embryonic vesicle was as early as 15 days post-mating (mean day 17.7±2.3), embryo proper and fetal membranes on day 23.0± 1.0, fetal heart beat detected on day 26, C-shape embryo appeared on day 31 ±1.7, limb buds on day 47.3 ±1.5, ossification of limbs, head, ribs and vertebrae were first detected on day 51±.2.6, 53±1.0, 53.7±2.1 and 53.7±2.1 respectively.

The kidneys, stomach, spinal tube, jugular/carotid, intestines and urinary bladder were first detected on days 42.7±1.1, 43.7±0.6, 43.7±1.5, 54.3±0.6, 62± 1.0 and 63 ±1.7 respectively.

The genital tubercle located with a high degree of confidence on day 81-82 of gestation.

All measurements were found highly correlated to the gestational age and R2 of CRL, EV, AD, EBD, BPD, KIL and STL were 0.943, 0.970, 0.989, 0.931, 0.943, 0.924 and 0.972 respectively.

Simple regression equations were established to predict early fetal age in the dromedary camel.

In conclusion, ultrasonography proved to be very useful tool to assess conceptus development and estimate fetal age based on appearance and fetometry in the dromedary camel.