Blood biochemical and hair mineral profile of camel calves reared under different management systems

Abstract

This study was conducted at Camel Breeding and Research Station (CBRS) Rakh Mahni to check the effect of management system on the blood biochemical and hair mineral profile of male and female camel calves. Eighteen Marecha camel calves of almost same weight and age were divided randomly into three groups each having 3 and reared under intensive (IMS), semi-intensive (SIMS) and extensive (EMS) management systems. The calves in first group reared in IMS were fed @ 1 kg concentrate having 18% CP and 2.41 Mcal/kg energy along with gram crop residues ad libitum, the second group calves reared in SIMS were allowed grazing/browsing for 8-10 hours and fed gram crop residues ad libitum while the calves of third group reared in EMS were allowed grazing/browsing 10-12 hours along with feeding of household supplementation. The calves of first two groups were maintained at CBRS in semi-open housing system while the third group owned by the camel herders in the close vicinity. All the calves had access to water twice daily. In blood biochemicals analyses the levels of hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphorus were found to be significantly different higher in IMS compared to SIMS and EMS. The levels of urea, creatinine and glucose were found to be varied (P>0.05) among groups. Regarding hair mineral status Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) among calf groups in IMS, SIMS and EMS.