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Background: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a prominent technology that can preserve superior genetic traits of animals and expand the population in a short time. Hematological characters and endocrine profiles are important elements that demonstrate the stability of the physiological state of cloned animals. To date, several studies regarding cloned camels with superior genes have been conducted. However, detailed hemato-physiological assessments to prove that cloned camels are physiologically normal are limited. In this study, We evaluated the hemato-physiological characteristics of cloned male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Methods: Therefore, we analyzed variations in hematological characteristics and endocrine profiles between cloned and non-cloned age-matched male and female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedaries). Two groups each of male and female cloned and non-cloned camels were monitored to investigate the differences in hemato-physiological characteristics. Results: All the animals were evaluated by performing complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and endocrinological tests. We found no significant difference between the cloned and non-cloned camels. Furthermore, the blood chemistry and endocrine profiles in male and female camels before maturity were similar. Conclusions: These results suggest that cloned and non-cloned camels have similar hematological characteristics and endocrine parameters.

IntroductionThe rutting period imposes a stressful condition on male camels, which results in elevated serum cortisol levels and alterations in their sexual behavior. Therefore, the current work was carried out to investigate the effect of mineral-vitamin premix supplementation on behavior, reproductive performance, hormones, serum oxidative stress profile, and other serum biochemical parameters of Camelus dromedarius during the breeding season.MethodsFourteen mature, fertile male Camelus dromedarius were divided into two groups, a control group (n = 7) and a mineral-vitamin premix group (n = 7). The present study lasted for 95 days during the rutting period (1st February to 5th May). Each camel in the premix group received a daily diet of 50 g of mineral-vitamin premix throughout the whole rutting period, during which the frequencies and durations of the following behaviors: maintenance, posture, aggressiveness, and sexual activity were collected every 20 min. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected.ResultsResults revealed that the premix group showed higher (P < 0.05) maintenance (feeding and rumination), standing, and overall sexual desire-related behavior frequency, besides more times (P < 0.001) for rumination, standing, walking, and lying while showing lower (P < 0.001) frequencies of overall aggressive behaviors than the control group. The serum concentration of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cortisol, blood glucose, and urea evidenced a significant decrease in the premix group compared with the control one, while significantly elevated levels of reduced glutathione, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium were recorded in the premix group in comparison with the control.ConclusionIt could be concluded that daily dietary supplementation of 50 g of mineral-vitamin premix to male camels during the breeding season is necessary to overcome the oxidative stress and serum cortisol concentration with a subsequent decrease in aggressive behavior and improvement to testosterone level in blood, body condition score and body weight gain.

This study designed to establish a reference data and compare the reproductive hormone profiles of both sexes of dromedary camels in rutting and non-rutting seasons in Samawa Province, Iraq. Therefore twenty four adult healthy camels (12 males and 12 females) were used to determine reproductive hormone levels (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone). Some electrolyte and minerals (Ca, K, Na, Cu, and Zn) were also measured to ensure their effects on sexual hormones. The antioxidant and stress status take in consideration by measured cortisol and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. The results revealed there were a significant difference in reproductive hormones between males (LH, progesterone and testosterone) and females (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone) during rutting and non- rutting seasons, although no significant difference was found about electrolytes and minerals on both sexes. The antioxidant and stress status of both sexes also appeared non-significant effect for glutathione peroxidase and cortisol when compared to both sexes of camels. These results exhibited difference in reproductive hormones of male and female camels during the rutting and non-rutting seasons.

In Mauritania, the dromedary breeding is the most widespread pastoral activity, and it is considered as the first source of animal protein; however, the research on meat is relatively rare compared with fish, especially in relation with the presence of trace metals. In this work, livers, kidneys, and muscles of 25 Camelus dromedarius were collected from butcheries in Nouakchott (Mauritania) between February and April 2020 to study the concentration of trace metals (three essential metals: cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), and four toxic metals: mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)). Statistical treatment did not show significant differences associated with age (P = 0.7004), sex (P = 0.9353), or type of diet (0.9951) in the found concentration of the target substances, but the differences were significant between metals and between organs (P < 0.0001). The mean concentrations of the essential metals were 0.80 mg/100 g for Cu, 6.02 mg/100 g for Fe, and 3.28 mg/100 g for Zn, and the ratios between these concentrations were significant (P < 0.0001 in all cases), with [Fe] > [Zn] > [Cu]. Cu was most concentrated in the liver, Fe in the kidney, and Zn in muscle. The mean concentrations of toxic metals were 0.055 mg/kg for As, 0.064 mg/kg for Cd, 0.040 mg/kg for Pb, and 0.027 mg/kg for Hg. They also exhibited significant difference between organs. Hg and Pb showed their largest concentrations in the liver, whereas As and Cd reached their maximum values in the kidney. Therefore, the found concentrations in all cases were lower than the admissible level of trace metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No diagnostic kits and reagents are available in the market to detect and evaluate camel immune responses to different pathogens. This study aimed to produce sheep anticamel (Camelus dromedarius) polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and to determine the specificity with other species immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulins (Igs) from camel serum samples were purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (40.00% saturated ammonium sulfate). Purity of the camel Igs was tested by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. PAbs against (Camelus dromedarius) immunoglobulins were generated by immunizing sheep with purified Igs. Anti- camel Ig polyclonal antibodies titer and specificity were determined using ELISA and Western blot techniques. Polyclonal antibodies specific to camel Igs were significantly high in immunized sheep which confirmed the immunization procedure. PAbs reacted specifically with camel serum immunoglobulin and did not react with other species immunoglobulin of horse and chickens. Polyclonal antibodies produced in this study can be regarded as a valuable tool to be used for immune-diagnostic purposes in camel population world-wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Understanding the regulations of rumen microbiota and their fibrolytic capabilities under different forages are essential to improve rumen fermentation and animal feed efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the rumen fermentation and the structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in camels fed barley straw and Egyptian clover hay. Materials and Methods: Three fistulated camels were fed a diet containing barley straw for 30 days; then transitioned to a diet containing Egyptian clover hay for 30 days. In addition, bacterial media enriched with xylan and different cellulose sources, namely, filter paper, wheat straw, and alfalfa hay, were used to evaluate the ability of camel rumen bacteria to produce xylanase and cellulase enzymes. Results: The camel group fed Egyptian clover hay showed higher crude protein intake, rumen ammonia, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid. Moreover, the camel group fed barley straw showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake, rumen pH, and propionic and butyric acids. Principal component analysis showed that bacterial communities were separated based on the forage type. Forage type affected the composition of rumen bacteria and most of the bacterial community was assigned to phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Egyptian clover hay diet increased the proportions of genus Prevotella and Ruminococcus; while fed barley straw diet increased the Butyrivibrio, RC9_gut_group, and Fibrobacteres. The bacterial culture of the Egyptian clover hay fed group produced the greatest xylanase and the bacterial culture of the barley straw fed group produced the maximum cellulase. Conclusion: Egyptian clover hay is recommended to feed camels in intensive production. Moreover, the bacterial community in the camel rumen is a promising source of lignocellulolytic enzymes.

This study designed to establish a reference data and compare the reproductive hormone profiles of both sexes of dromedary camels in rutting and non-rutting seasons in Samawa Province, Iraq. Therefore twenty four adult healthy camels (12 males and 12 females) were used to determine reproductive hormone levels (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone). Some electrolyte and minerals (Ca, K, Na, Cu, and Zn) were also measured to ensure their effects on sexual hormones. The antioxidant and stress status take in consideration by measured cortisol and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. The results revealed there were a significant difference in reproductive hormones between males (LH, progesterone and testosterone) and females (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone) during rutting and non- rutting seasons, although no significant difference was found about electrolytes and minerals on both sexes. The antioxidant and stress status of both sexes also appeared non-significant effect for glutathione peroxidase and cortisol when compared to both sexes of camels. These results exhibited difference in reproductive hormones of male and female camels during the rutting and non-rutting seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk samples were collected from 140 individual dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) to determine the variability in the concentrations of several bioactive whey proteins. The ranges were as follows: insulin (IN) (17.8–51.1 mIU/L), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF1) (1.4–736.1 ng/mL), insulin‐like growth factor II (IGF2) (13.7–82.6 ng/mL), lactoferrin (639.4–2094.9 µg/mL), immunoglobulin G (IgG) (7.3–17.9 mg/mL), peptidoglycan recognition protein‐1 (PGRP‐1) (1.6–22.3 ng/mL), lysozyme (LZ) (23.3–71.4 µg/mL) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) (7.1–15.5 ng/mL). These data demonstrate wide variation in the concentrations of the studied proteins. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the concentrations of IN and LZ, IN and IgG, IN and PGRP‐1, LZ and PGRP‐1, IgG and LPO, and IgG and PGRP‐1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on glycemic control in patients with diabetes are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of CM intake on glucose homeostasis parameters in patients with both types of diabetes mellitus; T1DM and T2DM. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO host, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, ProQuest Medical, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception until the end of November 2021. Relevant RCTs were identified, and the effect size was reported as mean difference (MD) and standard deviation (SD). Parameters of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), fasting serum insulin (FI), insulin resistance (expressed in terms of HOMA-IR), insulin dose (ID) received, serum insulin antibody (IA), and C-peptide (CP) were tested. Out of 4054 collected articles, 14 RCTs (total 663 subjects) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results obtained using a random-effects model showed a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c levels (MD, −1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.00, −0.48, p < 0.001 heterogeneity (I2) = 94%) and ID received (MD, −16.72, 95% CI: −22.09, −11.35 p < 0.00001, I2 = 90%), with a clear tendency was shown, but non-significant, to decrease FBG (MD, −23.32, 95% CI: −47.33, 0.70, p = 0.06, I2 = 98%) in patients with diabetes who consumed CM in comparison to those on usual care. Conversely, the consumption of CM did not show significant reductions in the rest of the glucose homeostasis parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with T2DM were more beneficially affected by CM intake than those with T1DM in lowering FBG, while patients with T1DM were more beneficially affected by CM intake than those with T2DM in lowering HbA1c. Both fresh and treated (pasteurized/fermented) CM gave similar beneficial effects in lowering HbA1c. Lastly, a relatively superior effect for longer duration on shorter duration (>6 months, ≤6 months, respectively) of CM intake is found in lowering HbA1c. To conclude, long-term consumption of CM by patients with diabetes could be a useful adjuvant therapy alongside classical medications, especially in lowering the required insulin dose and HbA1c. Due to the high heterogeneity observed in the included studies, more controlled trials with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm our results and to control some confounders and interfering factors existing in the analyzed articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Understanding the regulations of rumen microbiota and their fibrolytic capabilities under different forages are essential to improve rumen fermentation and animal feed efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the rumen fermentation and the structure and fibrolytic activities of rumen bacteria in camels fed barley straw and Egyptian clover hay. Materials and Methods: Three fistulated camels were fed a diet containing barley straw for 30 days; then transitioned to a diet containing Egyptian clover hay for 30 days. In addition, bacterial media enriched with xylan and different cellulose sources, namely, filter paper, wheat straw, and alfalfa hay, were used to evaluate the ability of camel rumen bacteria to produce xylanase and cellulase enzymes. Results: The camel group fed Egyptian clover hay showed higher crude protein intake, rumen ammonia, total volatile fatty acids, and acetic acid. Moreover, the camel group fed barley straw showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake, rumen pH, and propionic and butyric acids. Principal component analysis showed that bacterial communities were separated based on the forage type. Forage type affected the composition of rumen bacteria and most of the bacterial community was assigned to phylum Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Egyptian clover hay diet increased the proportions of genus Prevotella and Ruminococcus; while fed barley straw diet increased the Butyrivibrio, RC9_gut_group, and Fibrobacteres. The bacterial culture of the Egyptian clover hay fed group produced the greatest xylanase and the bacterial culture of the barley straw fed group produced the maximum cellulase. Conclusion: Egyptian clover hay is recommended to feed camels in intensive production. Moreover, the bacterial community in the camel rumen is a promising source of lignocellulolytic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The open reading frame encoding interferon alpha (IFNα) of the camel liver, Camelus dromedarius was isolated and cloned using reverse transcription-PCR. Sequence analysis of that gene showed a 564-bp encoding a protein of 187 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 21 kDa. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) sequence analysis revealed that C. dromedarius IFNα gene shares high sequence identity with IFNα genes of other species, including C. ferus, Vicugna pacos, and Homo sapiens. Expression of C. dromedarius IFNα cDNA in Escherichia coli revealed a fusion protein with a weight of 22.5 kDa after induction of expression with IPTG for 5 h. The recombinant IFNα was expressed in the form of inclusion bodies that were separated and solubilized in vitro and the protein was refolded using SDS and KCl. The folded protein is then purified using on Ni-NTA Agarose affinity chromatography and the purity was judged by SDS-PAGE. Moreover, the effect of the recombinant IFNα of the viability of cancer cell line was assessed by MTT assay. Morphological study showed that C. dromedarius IFNα protein inhibited cell survival of MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camels (Camelus dromedarius) are known to have good navigational abilities and can find their home after displacement to far places; however, there are no studies available on the navigational strategies employed by the camels in homing behavior. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate these strategies by displacing female camels equipped with GPS trackers 6 km away from home to totally unfamiliar locations. The experiments comprised displacing nursing or non-nursing female camels 6 km from their living pens to an unfamiliar release site. Some camels were taken to the release site on foot, others were hauled on a truck, both during daytime and nighttime. Displacements journeys were either in a straight direction to the release points, or they consisted of a convoluted path. As a result, camels that had straight outward journeys were able to return home efficiently and rather directly, but camels that had convoluted trips to the release point failed to do so. Moreover, impairing olfactory, visual, and auditory inputs by using mouth/nose muzzles, eye covers and headphones did not affect homing ability. Based on these experiments the most likely hypothesis is that during their small-scale round trips the camels relied on path integration, and that this strategy is disrupted when the camels were subjected to disorientation procedures before release.

The present study was carried out to provide more information about proteins in uterine secretions in the camelus dromedarius. Camel ovaries, blood samples and uterine secretions from 50 sexually mature non-pregnant camels (C. dromedarius) were collected at slaughter. The total protein values of uterine secretions were determined by Lowry method and electrophoresis of proteins on polyacrylamide gel was carried out. Significant fractions of camel uterine proteins were determined. Standard molecular weight comparison revealed that the major protein in uterine fluid had a relative molecular weight of 70 KD and could be albumin. The nearly 30 KD band could be uteroferin and 13-14 KD band corresponded with 14 KD basic polypeptide of a member of plasmin/trypsin inhibitors. On the other hand, the nearly 44 and 23 KD bands were luteal-stage specific. Interestingly the nearly 23 KD luteal phase specific band in this study corresponds with the range of progesterone dependent retinol binding acidic proteins. Although camel uterine proteins are shown to be irrelevant of serum steroids, but the presence of two luteal phase specific bands showed that proteins in uterine secretions may change when the corpus luteum present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on glycemic control in patients with diabetes are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of CM intake on glucose homeostasis parameters in patients with both types of diabetes mellitus; T1DM and T2DM. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO host, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, ProQuest Medical, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception until the end of November 2021. Relevant RCTs were identified, and the effect size was reported as mean difference (MD) and standard deviation (SD). Parameters of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), fasting serum insulin (FI), insulin resistance (expressed in terms of HOMA-IR), insulin dose (ID) received, serum insulin antibody (IA), and C-peptide (CP) were tested. Out of 4054 collected articles, 14 RCTs (total 663 subjects) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results obtained using a random-effects model showed a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c levels (MD, −1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.00, −0.48, p < 0.001 heterogeneity (I2) = 94%) and ID received (MD, −16.72, 95% CI: −22.09, −11.35 p < 0.00001, I2 = 90%), with a clear tendency was shown, but non-significant, to decrease FBG (MD, −23.32, 95% CI: −47.33, 0.70, p = 0.06, I2 = 98%) in patients with diabetes who consumed CM in comparison to those on usual care. Conversely, the consumption of CM did not show significant reductions in the rest of the glucose homeostasis parameters. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with T2DM were more beneficially affected by CM intake than those with T1DM in lowering FBG, while patients with T1DM were more beneficially affected by CM intake than those with T2DM in lowering HbA1c. Both fresh and treated (pasteurized/fermented) CM gave similar beneficial effects in lowering HbA1c. Lastly, a relatively superior effect for longer duration on shorter duration (>6 months, ≤6 months, respectively) of CM intake is found in lowering HbA1c. To conclude, long-term consumption of CM by patients with diabetes could be a useful adjuvant therapy alongside classical medications, especially in lowering the required insulin dose and HbA1c. Due to the high heterogeneity observed in the included studies, more controlled trials with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm our results and to control some confounders and interfering factors existing in the analyzed articles.

The present study was designed to describe the morphological and histological structures of the cecum and colon in adult local one humped camel in Iraq. Specimens of cecum and colon were collected from five healthy male camels between 4-5 years old. The samples were collected immediately after slaughtering and transferred to the laboratory of anatomy/ College of veterinary medicine for further processing. For gross study, the intestinal tract was separated and dissecting it away from it attachments to the dorsal abdomen wall. The cecum appeared as smooth cylindrical sac and its measuring were (51.35± 6.40) cm. (72.5± 9.4) gm. (0.124 ± 0.07) cm for mean total length, weight (weight after empty of the part) and wall thickness respectively. The colon was appeared as one long continuous hollow tube with externally smooth and divided into ascending, transverse and descending parts. Histologically, the cecum and colon wall was composed of the four tunicae (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa or adventitia). The tunica mucosa was the inner layer lined of the cecum and colon lumen. The mean thickness of these tunica in colon was more than that in cecum (487.9±26.6) μm, (366.7±34.1) μm respectively. The tunica mucosa revealed three different layers including: lining epithelium, lamina propria with glands and muscularis mucosa. The colon epithelium revealed large number of Lieberkuhn crypts and goblet cells reached (31 ± 4), (262 ± 11) respectively, more than that in cecum (27 ± 5), (218 ± 12) respectively. The submucosa consist of irregular connective tissue and adipose tissue, numerous blood vessels. The mean thickness of these tunica in cecum was more than that in colon (243.2±44.3) μm and (124.8±16.6) μm respectively. Tunica muscularis was composed of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers with mean thickness of these tunica in colon was more than that in cecum (694.7±37.4) μm and (513.9±46.3) μm respectively. The tunica serosa or adventitia was consist of loose connective tissues with mean thickness of these tunica in colon was more than that in cecum (212.7±14.1) μm and (187.9±17.6) μm respectively. In conclusion, this study identified the morphological and histological features of adult Camelus dromedaries colon and cecum.

This study was carried out at Al- Hyadia arid area / Al- Najaf on 82 she camels. According to bacterial isolation, the subclinical mastitis was detected in 24 out of 82 she camels at percentage rate 19.68%. The highest percentages of isolates were 17.68 and 12.92 for Coagulase –ve staphylococci followed by Streptococcus spp. respectively. While the percentages rate of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Micrococcus spp were 10.2%, 8.16% and 4.08% respectively. Based to bacterial isolation as confirmed diagnosis of subclinical mastitis, the milk samples with Coagulase –ve staphylococci, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed score 3 to California mastitis test (CMT) reaction with PH ranged 7.5-6.73 and electric conductivity 8.1-7.9 ms/cm while in Streptococcus spp. and Micrococcus revealed score 2 to CMT reaction with PH ranged 6.89-6.44 and electric conductivity 7.81-7.68 ms/cm. In conclusion the results of the present study approved investigation of subclinical mastitis in She camel and its causative agents. Moreover, California mastitis test was approved as fast and effective but less sensitive in diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.

Prions cause fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in small ruminants, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). After the BSE epidemic, and the associated human infections, began in 1996 in the United Kingdom, general concerns have been raised about animal prions. We detected a prion disease in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria. Symptoms suggesting prion disease occurred in 3.1% of dromedaries brought for slaughter to the Ouargla abattoir in 2015–2016. We confirmed diagnosis by detecting pathognomonic neurodegeneration and disease-specific prion protein (PrPSc) in brain tissues from 3 symptomatic animals. Prion detection in lymphoid tissues is suggestive of the infectious nature of the disease. PrPSc biochemical characterization showed differences with BSE and scrapie. Our identification of this prion disease in a geographically widespread livestock species requires urgent enforcement of surveillance and assessment of the potential risks to human and animal health.

This study was aimed to assess cytochrome b conservation in six breeds of camels reared in Egypt and to compare its sequence with those of other livestock species. The 208-bp fragments from camel mtDNA cyto b were amplified using PCR for 54 camels belonging to 6 camel breeds reared in Egypt. The alignment of camel cyto b sequences showed the presence of two polymorphic sites resulting in four haplotypes and their nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank under the accession numbers: KX909894–KX909897. The genetic distances between tested camel breeds were zero between Baladi, Fallahi and Maghrabi breeds whereas they were at low value between the other three breeds: Mowaled, Sodany and Somali. Neighbor-joining showed 4 branches; one of them include most of the tested animals and another one contains 2 Somali animals which is considered a specific haplotype for this breed. The other two branches are mixed between Sodani and Mowaled breeds. Neighbor-joining tree was constructed between cyto b sequences of our tested camels and their sequences from livestock species include Camelus dromedaries, Camelus bactrianus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Bubalus bubalis, Bos Taurus and Sus scrofa. The result confirmed that our camel breeds belong to Camelus dromedaries and are clearly separated from other species. It is concluded that cyto b sequence is highly conserved among all camel breeds reared in Egypt which belong to Camelus dromedaries in addition to the advantage of cyto b in differentiation between different livestock sources which enables it to widely use for the adulteration detection in mixed meat.

Introduction: The rutting period imposes a stressful condition on male camels, which results in elevated serum cortisol levels and alterations in their sexual behavior. Therefore, the current work was carried out to investigate the effect of mineral-vitamin premix supplementation on behavior, reproductive performance, hormones, serum oxidative stress profile, and other serum biochemical parameters of Camelus dromedarius during the breeding season., Methods: Fourteen mature, fertile male Camelus dromedarius were divided into two groups, a control group ( n = 7) and a mineral-vitamin premix group ( n = 7). The present study lasted for 95 days during the rutting period (1st February to 5th May). Each camel in the premix group received a daily diet of 50 g of mineral-vitamin premix throughout the whole rutting period, during which the frequencies and durations of the following behaviors: maintenance, posture, aggressiveness, and sexual activity were collected every 20 min. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected., Results: Results revealed that the premix group showed higher ( P < 0.05) maintenance (feeding and rumination), standing, and overall sexual desire-related behavior frequency, besides more times ( P < 0.001) for rumination, standing, walking, and lying while showing lower ( P < 0.001) frequencies of overall aggressive behaviors than the control group. The serum concentration of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, cortisol, blood glucose, and urea evidenced a significant decrease in the premix group compared with the control one, while significantly elevated levels of reduced glutathione, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium were recorded in the premix group in comparison with the control., Conclusion: It could be concluded that daily dietary supplementation of 50 g of mineral-vitamin premix to male camels during the breeding season is necessary to overcome the oxidative stress and serum cortisol concentration with a subsequent decrease in aggressive behavior and improvement to testosterone level in blood, body condition score and body weight gain., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Nasreldin, EL-Shoukary, Abdel-Raheem, Gharib, Zigo, Farkašová, Rehan and Senosy.)

This is the first report describing physicochemical characteristics, fatty acid composition, and functional properties of traditional salted dried meat El Kadid produced from Camelus dromedarius. The samples were prepared according to the traditional Saharan method. The pH values ranged from 5.01±0.01 to 5.97±0.06; water activity ranged from 0.684±0.003 to 0.689±0.002; ash content ranged from 2.25±0.08 to 2.85±0.02%; moisture level was 1%, and dry matter content exceeded 99%. The acid index, peroxide index, and acidity were in the range of 13.76 ± 0.14 to 20.66 ± 0.12 mg KOHg-1, 0.45 ± 0.03 to1.0 meqkg-1, and 0.16 ± 0.01 to 1.80 ± 0.02%, respectively. Protein, fat, and salt content were 19.73-22.52%, 3.17-7.14%, and 23.37-57.86% respectively. 19 fatty acids were identified, The oleic acid C18:1 was the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid (1.80%- 59.98%) and palmitic acid C16:0 was the major SFA (25.98%- 48.31%).regarding functional properties, Water Absorption Capacity and Oil Absorption Capacity values varied between 2.42 ± 0.03 -5.30 ± 0.05 and10.34 ± 0.05 to 13.34 ± 0.05 mLg-1respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The hypoglycemic effect of different forms of camel milk, i.e., pasteurized (CM), powdered (PcM) and evaporated (EcM) in a rat model of chemically-induced diabetes was studied. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg b.w.). Diabetic rats were supplemented with CM (ad lib), PcM (18.4 g/kg b.w.) and EcM (12.2 g/kg b.w.) for a period of 21 days. EcM feeding was found to normalize serum glucose, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, serum creatinine, bilirubin, uric acid and liver enzymes levels. On the other hand, CM and PcM feeding did not reduce the levels of serum glucose, lipids, and kidney and liver function markers to their normal values. Accordingly, histopathological examinations also showed visible signs of pancreatic β-cells repair with mild cellular atrophy in EcM fed diabetic rats. The data suggested that low temperature processed milk-concentrate consumption may represent a complimentary approach to maintaining normal serum glucose levels and securing optimal renal and hepatic function with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of novel strategies aimed to promote animal production while exploiting agricultural residues, using the dromedary camel rumen fluid degradation capabilities combined with a gas production (GP) technique approach, we investigated the in vitro kinetic parameters and some physical and chemical characteristics of three agro-industrial byproducts (AIBP) and their mixtures with three roughages. Chemical composition, buffering capacity, apparent degradability, pH, and in vitro GP kinetic parameters were evaluated for citrus pulp, tomato peels, apple pomace, their mixtures (50:50 % DM basis) with milk thistle, crown daisy, and polyphyte hay. GP of AIBP ranged from 200 to 240 mL/g DM. Roughages produced significantly less gas whereas mixtures gave intermediate amounts of gas. Gas from AIBP evolved with significantly (P < 0.05) shorter lag time (0.33 h) compared with roughages and mixtures. Mixing roughages with AIBP significantly (P < 0.05) increased the initial and final pH. The buffering capacity significantly increased with some mixtures and decreased with some others. In conclusion, ruminal fluid from slaughtered dromedaries, like the conventional bovine inoculum, fermented the major plant polymers and can be used in in vitro degradability trials. Rapidly fermentable AIPB mixed with roughages can improve some nutritional aspects, providing dietary fiber and correcting some in vitro kinetic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). The present work aims to investigate the epidemiological status and identify the risk factors associated with RVFV infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from southern Algeria. A total of 269 sera of apparently healthy camels was collected and tested using a competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Overall, 72 camels (26.7 %, 95 % CI: 21.4–32) were seropositive to RVFV. IgG antibodies were found to be most prevalent in camels from south-western areas, particularly in Tindouf wilaya (52.38 %, p < 0.0001), and in camels introduced from bordering Sahelian countries (35.8 %) (OR = 8.75, 95 %CI: 2.14–35.81). No anti-RVFV antibodies were detected in sera collected from local camels (0 %). Adult (5–10 years) and aged (>10 years) camels have a significantly higher risk of being infected by RVFV (OR = 2.15; 95 %CI = 1.21–3.81, OR = 2.05; 95 %CI = 1.03–4.11, respectively). This report indicated that dromedaries imported to the south-western areas are exposed to RVFV and may contribute to its spread in Algerian territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limbs of the camel are an important role commensurate with animal movement in the desert environment, Plastination is the process of impregnating tissues with polymer. The article describes the useful method for teaching of gross anatomy at Basra University, college of veterinary medicine. We Substitution the harmful formalin fixed dissected specimens with dissected and sliced plastinated specimens, the locally made polymers used for this purpose, fifteen distal camel thoracic limbs fixed with 10 % formalin. The fixed specimens were dehydrated in acetone to dispose of water and adipose tissue. The dehydrated specimens were submerged in a local made polymers and impregnated by decreasing the vacuum one atmosphere at -15°C. The anatomical structures can be seen in all sections, with their relations both before fixation and after plastination. Advantages of this model include reduction of the use of live animals. Initial use of anatomically real models may reduce student anxiety, Result explains that the plastination are, free from harmful toxic fixatives and odour and Remain for long periods. And can be handled over and over without degradation. And form an adequate procedure for the preservation and preparation of the thoracic limb soft tissue, and suitable for teaching anatomy.

To evaluate the effects of season, sex and age on serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, cholesterol and triglyceride, and their correlations together in dromedarian camels, these parameters were measured in 180 clinically healthy dromedary camels. No significant difference was detected for the measured serum parameters between the two sexes and among the different age groups of camels and none of them had significant correlation with the age of the animals. There was a significant correlation between serum T4 and triglyceride (r = -0.243, p = 0.002). There were significant differences between summer and winter seasons in the serum concentrations of T4 (p < 0.001), T3 (p = 0.01) and triglyceride (p < 0.001). In winter, the serum concentration of triglyceride had a significant correlation with the age of the sampled camels (r = -0.235, p = 0.026). In male camels,T4had a marginally significant correlation with cholesterol (r= -0.158, p = 0.06).The effects of season, sex and age on the serum concentrations and relationships between thyroid hormones, cholesterol and triglyceride in dromedary camels can be proposed as the probable causes of the controversial findings in the previous studies.

Heat-shock proteins, divided in numerous families, play an important role in cellular processes. The human Hsp70 (PDB ID 1HJO) performs multiple steps including protein folding, trafficking, remodeling and degradation. In addition, the Hsp70 is also involved in cell signaling, and tumor repression. We have previously sequenced the full-length cDNA encoding the putative stress induced heat shock protein HSPA6 from Arabian camel (NCBI Gene Bank accession number HQ214118.1). The sequence analysis of HSPA6 gene revealed a 1932bp-long open reading frame encoding 643 amino acids. In this work, we extended our study to explore the mechanism that manages the HSPA6 gene expression by isolating and characterizing the flanking 5' region using online tools, expected to harbor the regulatory elements. The straight-walk method was used to isolate the upstream genomic DNA sequences of the HSPA6. The isolated fragment has a length of 1417bp and after verifying the sequence, it was deposited in GenBank under accession number JX888464. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of several heat shock elements (HSEs) that act as binding sites for the major heat shock factor. These HSE sites were dispersed in the isolated region and had consensus sequences identical to those found in eukaryotes. Other core promoter elements such as potential transcriptional start site for the HSPA6 gene were found including the canonical TATA-box, DPE, MTE, BRE, CpG island, palindromic and repeated sequences. Taken together, this is the first report on the promoter region of the HSPA6 gene from Arabian camel which will enhance our understanding of how such regulatory cis-elements are engaged in regulating the gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the bony structure (i.e., os cordis) in the heart of mature Dromedary camel. Ten hearts were collected from healthy mature camels of both sexes aging between 7-9 years. Grossly, the heart contained one large, elongated bone that was embedded inside the heart wall where the cardiac muscles were inserted and fixed. The bony structure was located at the adjacent areas between aorta and atria. Also, it was lying in the atrioventricular plane near the junction of the interatrial and interventricular septa, and was extended anteriorly into the atrioventricular valve rings. Histologically, the os cordis was composed of fibrous connective tissue, small foci and pieces of hyaline cartilage, calcified cartilage, and a large piece of spongy bone. The spongy bone contained red and white bone marrows with numerous red blood cells, adipocytes and osteocytes. This is the first detail study on os cordis of Dromedary camel heart with special reference to cartilago cordis.

This study was carried out to examine the antimicrobial activity of the unfiltered fresh urine and filtered using Millipore upon pathogenic bacteria and yeasts, The camel’s urine was collected from female camel Camelus dromedaries of age 5 years, at a barn in the Faculty of Agriculture - Almothana university and from the Western Desert of Samawah .The physical content of the samples was been studying, colures was yellow in the tow samples , and been dark with stored . pH 6.11 for a barn in the Faculty of Agriculture and 6,67 for Western Desert of Samawah samples. Pathogenic Microorganisms was used in the study Escherichia coliO157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella typhimiurum , Clostridium sp. and Candida albicans. The results had shown that The camel’s urine was inhibition most pathogenic bacteria and yeasts which test, the diameter of inhibition zone reached of the unfiltered fresh urine from a barn in the Faculty of Agriculture 18,19,15,12,19,18,21, and 19 mm , and the filtered fresh urine 16,12,10,9,12,12,16,and 13 mm , and for the unfiltered sample of the Western Desert of Samawah samples. 21,20,19,16,19,21,23,and 22 mm and the filtered 17,18,17,11,15,16,20and 17 mm against Escherichia coliO157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Salmonella typhimiurum , Clostridium sp. and Candida albicans. The results had shown also that the antimicrobial of unfiltered urine samples was better than the filtered urine samples and the Western Desert of Samawah .urine sample was better than the urine sample from a barn in the Faculty of Agriculture. unfiltered urine of the Western Desert of Samawah antimicrobial was compared with some antibiotics groups of beta-lactam and amino glycosides, he results showed superiority unfiltered urine of the Western Desert of Samawahin antimicrobial activity.

Introduction: This study describes and reports, for the first time, an outbreak of dermatophilosis that occurred concurrently with caseous lymphadenitis involving two camel herds (Camelus dromedaries) in north Jordan. Methodology: The affected animals were part of two herds comprising 52 Arabian camels in herd 1 and 65 camels in herd 2. The age of infected camels ranged from 18 months to 5 years. Pus and skin scab samples were aseptically collected and bacteriologically examined. Affected camels were treated by long-acting oxytetracycline injection in a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight every 48 hours for three successive treatments, and local antiseptic and antibiotic cutaneous spray treatment for five successive days. Results: The main clinical signs on affected camels were skin dermatitis and abscess formation. The isolated organisms were Dermatophilus congolensis and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis were the causative agents of dermatophilosis and caseous lymphadenitis, respectively. Other organisms were isolated from skin abscesses, including α-hemolytic streptococci, hemolytic E. coli, Actinomyces pyogenes, and S. aureus. The affected camels were rapidly and effectively cured by the above-mentioned treatment protocol. No mortality was recorded. Conclusions: Introducing purchased camels from animal auctions without pre-examination and keeping camels in over-crowded small barns under cold, humid, and rainy conditions during winter may predispose the eruption of mixed infection of dermatophilosis and caseous lymphadenitis. Treatment by long-acting oxytetracycline injection with local antiseptic and antibiotic cutaneous spray can control such infection. A survey on camel herds raised near Jordan's borders is needed to monitor the possibility of emerging infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe the presence of an intraorbital cylindrical osseous structure (a spine) in two animal species: camel (Camelus bactrianus) and dromedary (Camelus dromedaries). A homologous osseous structure was previously observed in the large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus). Procedures The bony anatomy of the orbital cavity was studied and quantified on macerated skulls of 3 camels and 2 dromedaries. Additionally, one macerated skull of a large fruit-eating bat (Artibeus lituratus) was used for comparative purposes. Results The anatomic description of these unique intraorbital spine was made while studying the bony orbit of macerated skulls, and was considered homologous to that of the bat based on the same anatomic position (at the bone bridge that separates the optic canal and the sphenorbital fissure) and similarities in shape. We suggest the name optic spine of the sphenoid bone. Discussion The novel observation of an optic spine on the sphenoid bone in camels and dromedaries (Artiodactyla), when combined with the previous finding of a similar anatomic structure in a bat (Chiroptera) suborder Microchiroptera, may provide further support to the close proximity of these two apparently very distinct animal orders in the phylogenetic tree, and may contribute to the understanding of bat evolution and provide new directions for future research. The function of this osseous spine remains to be investigated, although we hypothesize that the optic spine of the camelids may serve as an attachment site for extraocular muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kappa-casein, as a major protein component in mammalian milk, plays an essential role in formation and stabilization milk micelles and preventing them from aggregating and therefore, helping to keep calcium phosphate in solution and transfer of calcium and phosphors from animal milk to consumers. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate genetic and phylogenetic analysis of exon 4 of k-casein (CSN3) gene in Iranian camels using 10 blood samples from Dromedary camels and 5 blood samples from Bacterian camels. After DNA extraction, partial DNA fragment (713 bp) of the k-casein gene was amplified and sequenced using specific primers by PCR reaction. Obtained sequences were edited and subsequently were compared with other k-casein gene sequences which were submitted in NCBI data base. The results showed that there were no significant variations among analyzed sequences. Furthermore, the Neighbor- Joining phylogenetic analysis showed that according to k-casein gene sequence, Iranian Dromedary and Bacterian camels have the lowest genetic distance with Lama species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in dromedaries. Methods: 438 dromedaries were examined in five regions of Iran from 20 March, 2010 to 19 March, 2011. The relationship between host age and the mean number of hydatid cysts, and prevalence and fertility rates was analyzed using chi-square test. Results: One hundred and thirty five out of 438 (30.82%) camels harboured hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Number of cysts was 700 with 72.5% lung cyst. The highest rate of infection was that 54 (40%) of camels was found in the Khorasan Razavi region (in the north-east part of Iran) while the lowest 6 (4.4%) of camels was found in Semnan province. Infection was higher in >15 years age group. The most commonly infected organs were lungs (72.5%) followed by liver (12.6%). Both liver and lungs together constituted 14.8% of infection. A comparison found that hydatid cysts of liver had a higher fertility rate (32.57%) than that of lung (19%); while most of cysts of lung were calcified (24.42%). The mean number of protoscoleces per mL in the lung fertile cysts was higher than that of liver cysts. Fertile or sterile might be due to the different species or genotypes. The mean number of cysts in infected liver and lungs was 1–5 cysts. The intensity of infection increased with age. Conclusions: The results of current study can make a background data for implementing hydatid control programs and warrant the importance of camel in public health.

The present study was conducted to investigate the bony structure (i.e., os cordis) in the heart of mature Dromedary camel. Ten hearts were collected from healthy mature camels of both sexes aging between 7-9 years. Grossly, the heart contained one large, elongated bone that was embedded inside the heart wall where the cardiac muscles were inserted and fixed. The bony structure was located at the adjacent areas between aorta and atria. Also, it was lying in the atrioventricular plane near the junction of the interatrial and interventricular septa, and was extended anteriorly into the atrioventricular valve rings. Histologically, the os cordis was composed of fibrous connective tissue, small foci and pieces of hyaline cartilage, calcified cartilage, and a large piece of spongy bone. The spongy bone contained red and white bone marrows with numerous red blood cells, adipocytes and osteocytes. This is the first detail study on os cordis of Dromedary camel heart with special reference to cartilago cordis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camel can tolerates water deprivation conditions more than two months. Kidneys are vital organs in this case. The objective of this study is recognition of kidney lesions. In this study 38 samples of kidney were collected from slaughter house of Tabbas and Mashhad. Specimens were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for at least 24 hours and then routinely processed and then the sections were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), special staining and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological study revealed different lesions and the most common were glomerulonephritis. Other lesions were acute tubular necrosis (ATN), renal cyst and interstitial nephritis. Vascular calcification was significant lesions which were characterized with basophilic material in the intima of vessels. Renal adenoma was diagnosed in one camel and according to review literature it is the first report in camel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of different types of mastitis in camels in U.A.E. and identify the causative microorganisms and their sensitivity to different antimicrobial agents. From 162 lactating she-camel 630 milk samples were collected from different cities in Abu Dhabi Emirate/UAE. The overall prevalence of mastitis w; 18.52% (7.94% on quarter basis), the prevalence of clinical and sub clinical mastitis was found to be 24.70% and 11.67% c animal basis, respectively; it being 9.70% and 5.86% on quarter basis, respectively. The hind quarters were more frequent affected than the fore quarters. Bacteriological examination of milk samples revealed that Staphylococcus was the chief etiological agents both in clinical and sub clinical mastitis (41.67%) in camels, followed by Streptococcus spp. (21.67%), Enterobacter spp. (15.00%), C. pyoeenes (10.00%), Micrococcus spp. (5.00%), Pasteurells spp. (5.00%) and Pseudomom aeruginosa (1.66%). Most of the Staphylococcus spp.. Streptococcus spp. and C. pyogenes strains were sensitive carbenicillin, gentamycin, kanamycin, and erythromycin, but resistant to colistin and sulphamethoxazole. Other pathogens HI Enterobacter, Micrococcus. Pasteurella spp. and Ps,. aeuroginosa isolates showed variable sensitivities to the antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report new demographic and genetic data on southern African camel (Camelus dromedarius) populations. Results from questionnaires on demography indicated that approximately 476 camels were extant in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in 2003. We have sampled 234 camels for genetic analysis using a microsatellite marker set consisting of 12 loci. Results indicated little differentiation between camels from southern Africa, the Sudan or an outgroup from the family Camelidae, the alpaca (Lama pacos). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that -0.09% of total variation reside between species, 0.26% between the two southern African camel populations and 99.83% within populations. A coefficient of population differentiation (RST) indicated low levels of differentiation between southern African camel populations, with no specific pattern observed in pair-wise comparisons of 16 populations. An assignment test conformed to known population histories and provided additional support for the hypothesis of low differentiation between populations. There was no evidence of loss of genetic diversity in any individual population. Parentage analysis confirmed the utility of the microsatellite marker set for elucidating uncertain paternity. The results are discussed with reference to the management history of camels in the southern African region and the importance of population and parentage verification in the light of the many historic translocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many biological mechanisms involve the interaction of proteins or binding of other molecules to proteins. The precise prediction of functionally active binding sites on the protein surface could play an important role in predicting the nature of protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions. The present research was conducted on 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase geneOGG1 sequence from Arabian camel (camelus dromedaries) to predict the protein structure. In this study, 1790 long amiono acid (AA) sequences of OGG1 from C. dromedarieswere used to predict its protein structure based on multiple alignments by Lometes and Illterative ITasser simulations. Because the full structure ofOGG1 protein cannot be predicted based on the homology modeling using conserved regions of other mammalian species, we predicted the 3D structure of two domains of the OGG1 protein. The two regions predicted were OGG1 protein domain 1 (D1) comprised of amino acids from 1-1000 and OGG1 protein domain 2 (D2) comprised of amino acids from 1000-1790. The 3D protein structures were validated using RAMPAGE Ramachandran plot and functional structures were predicted based on the homologous regions from other species including human, rat, mouse and panda. The functional group predications were established using the Eukaryote Linear Motif (ELM) resource. Among the important functions predicted for OGG1 proteins were LIG_BRCT_BRCA1_1 instances of Phosphopeptide motif which directly interacts with the BRCT (carboxy-terminal) domain of the breast cancer gene BRCA1, LIG_FHA_2 of Phosphothreonine motif binding a subset of FHA domains that have a preference for an acidic amino acid at the replication fork, and MOD_TYR_ITSM of the CD150 subfamily of receptors that bind to and are regulated by SH2 adaptor molecule. These sites may constitute target for drug design for many pharmaceutical and biotechnological purposes. The target site of binding region for OGG1 was predicted both in D1 and D2 by using site finder tools of Molecular Operation Environment (MOE). Furthermore, the results also predicted two conserved regions, both 45AA long, having 100.0% similarity with the crystal structure of Calmodium-Dependent Protein Kinase I (CaM kinase I) from rat (Q63450). This is the first report that deals with the Arabian camelOGG1protein structure prediction along with functional motifs and binding sites identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in dromedaries. Methods 438 dromedaries were examined in five regions of Iran from 20 March, 2010 to 19 March, 2011. The relationship between host age and the mean number of hydatid cysts, and prevalence and fertility rates was analyzed using chi-square test. Results One hundred and thirty five out of 438 (30.82%) camels harboured hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus . Number of cysts was 700 with 72.5% lung cyst. The highest rate of infection was that 54 (40%) of camels was found in the Khorasan Razavi region (in the north-east part of Iran) while the lowest 6 (4.4%) of camels was found in Semnan province. Infection was higher in >15 years age group. The most commonly infected organs were lungs (72.5%) followed by liver (12.6%). Both liver and lungs together constituted 14.8% of infection. A comparison found that hydatid cysts of liver had a higher fertility rate (32.57%) than that of lung (19%); while most of cysts of lung were calcified (24.42%). The mean number of protoscoleces per mL in the lung fertile cysts was higher than that of liver cysts. Fertile or sterile might be due to the different species or genotypes. The mean number of cysts in infected liver and lungs was 1–5 cysts. The intensity of infection increased with age. Conclusions The results of current study can make a background data for implementing hydatid control programs and warrant the importance of camel in public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of season, sex and age on serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, cholesterol and triglyceride, and their correlations together in dromedarian camels, these parameters were measured in 180 clinically healthy dromedary camels. No significant difference was detected for the measured serum parameters between the two sexes and among the different age groups of camels and none of them had significant correlation with the age of the animals. There was a significant correlation between serum T4 and triglyceride (r = -0.243, p = 0.002). There were significant differences between summer and winter seasons in the serum concentrations of T4 (p < 0.001), T3 (p = 0.01) and triglyceride (p < 0.001). In winter, the serum concentration of triglyceride had a significant correlation with the age of the sampled camels (r = -0.235, p = 0.026). In male camels,T4 had a marginally significant correlation with cholesterol (r= -0.158, p = 0.06).The effects of season, sex and age on the serum concentrations and relationships between thyroid hormones, cholesterol and triglyceride in dromedary camels can be proposed as the probable causes of the controversial findings in the previous studies.