Effect of season and age on the ovarian size and activity of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

In this project, ovarian size and activity during the peak (November-April) and the low (May-October) breeding seasons in young and adult camels were studied. Ovaries of 92 camels (Camelus dromedarius), with clinically normal reproductive tracts, aged 3-15 years and slaughtered at Faisalabad or Lahore abattoirs over a period of 24 months, were collected. Jugular blood was collected from each animal before slaughter; the serum was separated and analyzed for oestradiol concentration. The size (length, width and thickness) and weight of each ovary were measured. Grossly observable Graafian follicles were counted and their diameter was measured using Vernier Calipers. The camels having ovaries presenting follicles more than 5 mm in diameter were taken as having active ovaries. The results showed that ovarian length, width and weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak than the low breeding season. The percentage of active ovaries was also significantly higher (p<0.01) during the peak than the low breeding season. However, the effect of season on ovarian thickness was non-significant. Similarly, the ovarian length, width, thickness, weight and activity did not vary significantly between young (3-7 years old) and adult (8-15 years old) animals. Serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak (67.70±1.36 pg/ml) than the low breeding season (15.25±1.54 pg/ml). It was concluded that in Pakistani camels ovarian size and activity were higher during the peak than the low breeding season. However, age of the camel (from 3 to 15 years) had no effect on these parameters.