• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2022

Objective: The present study evaluated the efficiency of embryo development and pregnancy of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos using different source-matured oocytes in Camelus dromedarius. Methods: Camelus dromedarius embryos were produced by SCNT using in vivo- and in vitro- matured oocytes. In vitro embryo developmental capacity of reconstructed embryos was evaluated. To confirm the efficiency of pregnancy and live birth rates, a total of 72 blastocysts using in vitro- matured oocytes transferred into 45 surrogates and 95 blastocysts using in vivo- matured oocytes were transferred into 62 surrogates by transvaginal method. Results: The collected oocytes derived from ovum pick up showed higher maturation potential into metaphase II oocytes than oocytes from the slaughterhouse. The competence of cleavage, and blastocyst were also significantly higher in in vivo- matured oocytes than in vitro- matured oocytes. After embryo transfer, 11 pregnant and 10 live births were confirmed in in vivo- matured oocytes group, and 2 pregnant and 1 live birth were confirmed in in vitro- matured oocytes group. Furthermore, blastocysts produced by in vivo-matured oocytes resulted in significantly higher early pregnancy and live birth rates than in vitro-matured oocytes. Conclusion: In this study, SCNT embryos using in vivo- and in vitro-matured camel oocytes were successfully developed, and pregnancy was established in recipient camels. We also confirmed that in vivo-matured oocytes improved the development of embryos and the pregnancy capacity using the blastocyst embryo transfer method.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.868-870
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• 1999

A total of 69 ovaries were collected from 345 camels slaughtered in Maiduguri abattoir, North-Eastern part of Nigeria, to study the influence of season on ovary weight and corpus luteum count in the dromedary (single humped) camel (Camelus dromedaries). Right ovary was significantly heavier (p<0.01) and had more follicular fluid than the left. Although corpus luteum count increased gradually throughout the study period, no camel had 3 active corpora lutea and only 53 out of the total number had two. Ovarian activity seem to be higher in the cold dry harmattan season, November/December, than during the warmer post rainy season, September/October. These periods can be exploited by farmers, especially peasants who rely heavily on natural mating, to obtain greater conception rates and reduce the chance of failure during mating.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.229-234
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• 2008

The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was investigated by gross and histopathological examinations in 250 camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered from 2002 to 2005 in the Mashhad Slaughterhouse, eastern Iran. Samples were taken from the diaphragm, heart, tongue, esophagus and masseter muscles for histopathological studies. No macroscopic sarcocysts were found in the samples at gross inspection. Sarcocysts were detected in 209 of 250 (83.6%) examined camels at histopathological level. The infection rate of the esophagus, heart, masseter muscles, diaphragm, and tongue was 58.8%, 48.0%, 46.8%, 41.6%, and 28.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the rate of infection between male (85.8%) and female (81.0%) camels. The tissue response to vital cysts was minimal; however, reaction to the degenerating cysts was severe and caused tissue damages resulting in hyperemia, hemorrhages, mononuclear cell infiltration, necrotic changes, and fibrosis. The wild and domestic carnivores especially dogs may be the final hosts of Sarcocystis spp. in this area.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1361-1366
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• 2007

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 ($67.70{\pm}1.36$ pg/ml) than the low breeding season ($15.25{\pm}1.54$ 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.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.144-147
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• 2004

Molecular amplification and sequencing of genomic DNA that encodes camel polyubiquitin (PUBC1) was performed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using various sets of primers. The amplification generated a number of DNA fragments, which were sequenced and compared with the polyubiquitin coding sequences of various species. One DNA fragment that conformed to 325 bp was found to be 95 and 88% homologous to the sequences of human polyubiquitin B and C, respectively. The DNA translated into 108 amino acids that corresponded to two fused units of ubiquitin with no intervening sequence, which indicates that it is a polyubiquitin and contains at least two units of ubiquitin. Although, variations were found in the nucleotide sequence when compared to those of other species, the amino acid sequence was 100% homologous to the polyubiquitin sequences of humans, mice, and rats. This is the first report of the polyubiquitin DNA coding sequence and its corresponding amino acid sequence from camels, amplified using direct genomic DNA preparations.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.162-167
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• 2021

Camel (camelus dromedarius) is a unique large mammalian species that can survive harsh environmental conditions and produce milk, meat, and wool. Camel reproduction is inferior when compared to other farm animal species such as cattle and sheep. Several trials have been reported to increase camel reproduction and production through assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) such as in vitro fertilization and cloning. For these reasons, obtaining enough mature oocytes is a cornerstone for ARTs. This demand would be improved by the oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) systems. In this review, the current approaches and views from different laboratories using ARTs and the IVM to produce embryos in vitro in camel species. For the last two decades, conventional IVM system was the common approach, however, recently the bi-phasic IVM system has been introduced and showed promising improvement in IVM of camel oocytes. Detailed studies are needed to understand camel meiosis and IVM to efficiently increase the production of this species.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.519-525
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• 1992

The haematological profiles of camel calves of either sex were monitored at monthly intervals between 1-12 months of age. RBC, Hb and PCV increased with age for several months, with corresponding increases in MCH and MCHC, and a relative reduction in MCV. WBC and lymphocyte counts were highest at the age of 1 month, fell progressively during the following 6 months, and stabilized thereafter. Neutrophils were also highest at the age of one month and decreased slowly with advancing age. Eosinophils, monocytes and basophils fluctuated only from month to month. Age effect was significant for WBC, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and all the erythrocytic parameters, except MCV. Sex effect was significant for Hb and eosinophils.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.8
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• pp.1332-1338
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• 2020

Objective: Meat quality characteristics and sensory attributes were evaluated in three age groups (12, 18, and 24 mo) of one-humped camels of the Saudi Arabian Najdi breed. Methods: Thirty-six male camels (12 for each age group) were used. The Longissimus dorsi muscle from each carcass was divided into three parts and subjected to three ageing periods (1, 5, or 10 d) and evaluated for shear force, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), expressed juice, cooking loss, and sensory attributes. Results: Age had a significant effect on shear force, MFI, expressed juice quantity, and organoleptic properties. Camels slaughtered at 12 mo exhibited lower shear force and MFI, and higher expressed juice quantity, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability than those slaughtered at 24 mo. Ageing had a significant influence on shear force, MFI, expressed juice quantity, but not on cooking loss. Camel meat aged for 10 d exhibited significantly lower shear force values and expressed juice quantity, and significantly higher MFI compared to that aged for 1 d. However, ageing did not significantly affect sensory attributes, except for tenderness, in camels slaughtered at 18 mo. Conclusion: Both instrumental and sensory evaluations showed that young camel meat has desirable quality characteristics, with superior tenderness and juiciness.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.90.1-90.11
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• 2020

Background: Mandibular fractures are common in camels, leading to considerable economic losses. This study explored methods of improving mandibular fractures repair, adjuvant with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. Autologous bone marrow (BM) injection enhances osteogenesis and rapid healing. Objectives: To investigate the effect of autologous BM aspirate as an adjuvant treatment for repairing mandibular fractures in camels with interdental wire, or bone plate fixation. Methods: Thirty dromedary camels aged 5-8 years and of both sexes were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: group 1 (n = 10) treated with stainless steel wire fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 2 (n = 10) treated with plate fixation and BM injection at the fracture line, group 3 (n = 5) treated with stainless steel bone wire fixation and placebo saline injection at the fracture line, and group 4 (n = 5) treated with plate fixation and placebo injection at the fracture line. The mandibular fractures were followed weekly for 12 weeks postoperatively to assess improvement and healing based on clinical evaluation, radiographic union scale, and bone turnover markers (i.e., bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, pyridinoline, and deoxypyridinoline). Results: Compared to other groups, elevated bone turnover markers in group 1 were demonstrated (p < 0.05) on the seventh postoperative day. Likewise, compared to other groups, both clinical findings and radiographic union scale significantly improved (p < 0.05) in group 1 on the 56th postoperative day. Conclusions: BM aspirate has a promising beneficial osteogenic effect on mandibular fracture repair in camels, most notably when combined with interdental wire fixation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1597-1602
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• 2006

The effects of different mineral supplementations on the milk yield of free-ranging Somali camels were investigated in two phases in a semi-arid region of northern Kenya during the dry and wet seasons in 2002 and 2003. In phase 1, twelve (12) lactating camels were selected at random to form four (4) groups each consisting of three camels. The first group served as the control and as a result received no mineral supplementation. In addition to the control diet the other groups received oral doses of minerals as follows over a 60-day period: T1 (P), T2 (High Cu low Co) and T3 (Low Cu high Co). The daily milk yield and blood mineral profiles were measured during the wet and dry seasons. The mean daily milk yield increased from 3.4 L/d to $4.3{\pm}0.3L/d$ and 5.2 L/d in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Fifteen (15) lactating camels were selected at random to form five groups each consisting of three replicates. The control group did not receive any mineral supplement. The other four groups in addition to the control diet, received the following treatments: T4 (Common Salt), T5 (High Co), T6 (High Co+P) and T7 (Low Co+P). Mineral supplement T6 produced significantly higher milk yield ($5.4{\pm}0.5$ and $6.5{\pm}0.7L/d$) during the dry and wet seasons. Both T6 and T7 had significantly higher milk yield than T4 and T5. During both phases, the blood Ca and P level significantly increased in camels receiving T1, 6 and 7. Animals that received only the trace mineral supplements had lower blood P compared to the ones receiving supplementary P and also the control. Supplementation of lactating camels with Co and P significantly (p<0.05) increased milk yield). Effect of common salt, commonly given by farmers, on milk yield was insignificant. It was concluded that mineral supplementation to lactating camels was beneficial, and that mineral supplements should include P and Co. Further research is required to establish P and Co requirements of lactating camels.