Some hematological and biochemical parameters and steroid hormone levels in the one-humped camel during different physiological conditions

Abstract

Four non-pregnant, 4 late pregnant and 3 cycling camels were used for blood collection to determine estradiol-17(3 and progesterone concentrations. Blood hematological and serum biochemical parameters were determined in non-pregnant and late pregnant camels. Hematological parameter levels varied between pregnant and non-pregnant camels. Equal values for packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and total white blood cell (WBC) counts were found in both groups. However, neutrophils and eosinophils showed higher (P 0.05), blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in pregnant than in non-pregnant animals. However, total creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactic dehydrogenase and glucose showed lower (PO.05) levels in pregnant than in non-pregnant camels. Levels of estradiol-17(3 ranged from 1.29 to 13.42, 240.95 to 628.29 and 5.72 to 29.69 pg/ml in the non-pregnant, pregnant and in camels during estrous cycle, respectively. Progesterone levels ranged from 0.29 to 2.87, 1.40 to 6.45 and 0.50 to 1.80 ngml in non-pregnant, pregnant and in camels during estrous cycle, respectively. Levels of estradiol-17β did not exceed 13.42 pg/ml in the non-pregnant not-cyclic camels, while it reached 29.69 pg/ml at standing estrus. However, in pregnant camels, estradiol-17β increased steadily up to 628.29 pgml near parturition. Then it decreased to 20.36 pgml after parturition, suggesting a possible fetoplacental involvement in estradiol-17β secretion. Progesterone concentration increased during pregnancy up to 6.45 ngml. Then it decreased to reach 1.19 to 2.47 ngml after parturition.