Status of blood serum macro-elements in dromedary camels in new-valley : with 4 tables and 2 figures

Abstract EN

For a meaningful diagnostic clinical report of abnormality in the camel there must be a standard of familiar reference values regarding the', management and environmental factors in which the animal i acclimatized.

The aim of the present study was to give an idea on the"] values of macro-mineral in healthy dromedary camels in the New-Valley! Area.

A total number of 160 apparently healthy camels were selected from their natural habitat in rural areas of El-Kharga oasis and equally classified according to their sex, age, season and reproductive status.

Macro-minerals were determined in the grasses browsed by camels and blood serum of these camels.

Results showed that Ca concentration in the pasture was marginal whereas P concentration was deficient than the requirement of camels.

The recorded over all-mean values of microelements (mmol / 1) in serum of these camels (and ranges) were 2.044 ± 0.051 (1.2-3.1) for Ca, 1.483 ± 0.032 (0.8-2.1) forP, 0.984 ± 0.022 (0.6-1.5) for Mg, 151.9 ± 1.299 (125-182) forNa, 5.16 ± 0.094 (3.2-7.3) forK and 98.6 ± 1.119 (76-123) for CI.

These concentrations were recorded for healthy camels and can be used as indicative values.

The values of Ca and P decreased with increasing age (P<0.05), females had lower mean values than males (P<0.01) and also the values decreased in pregnancy and lactation (P<0.05).

On the other hand, the mean values of Na and CI were higher in summer than in winter season (PO.01) and decreased (P<0.05) by lactation.

The mean values of Mg and K in serum were not significantly affected by the physiological or environmental status.

The present investigations show marked differences in the concentration of serum macro-minerals between camels when retained on similar pastures which may be attributed age, sex, productive and reproductive status of the animal as well as the environmental conditions.