HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN FEMALE CAMELS (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical alterations in female camels during the transition period. Ten apparently healthy camels were randomly selected and subjected to clinical examination. The investigated camels demonstrated no detectable clinical illness and kept under veterinary supervision throughout the study period. A blood sample was collected from each camel for laboratory investigation before and after 2 and 4 weeks of parturition and at time of parturition. Our findings revealed a significant (p=0.001) high values of neutrophils, MCH and MCHC at +14, and a significant (p=0.001) low values of lymphocyte count at -14 and at time of parturition. The globulin concentration increased significantly (p=0.029) at +28. For serum phosphorus and magnesium concentrations, their values were significantly (P< 0.05) elevated at -14 and +28, respectively, while enzymatic activity of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (P< 005) elevated at +14, while serum activity of GGT and ALP continued at the same pattern at +28. For serum glucose and cortisol concentrations, their values were significantly elevated at (0), while serum creatinine concentrations were significantly (p=0.023) decreased at +14. Estrogen concentration increased significantly at -14 and 0, but decreased significantly at +14 and +28. Progesterone concentrations increased significantly at -14 and decreased at 0, +14 and +28. Other tested parameters did not differ significantly pre- and post-partum. The data presented in this study could be used as a reference guide for female camels during the transition period. Key words: Biochemistry; camel; hematology; transition period