EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GESTATION PERIODS ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF IRAQI FEMALE DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of different gestation periods on hematological and biochemical profile of Iraqi female camel. The study was done at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Fallujah during the period from August, 1 to July, 11, 2013.  The experiment included 12 (6 pregnant and 6 non-pregnant), Iraqi female camels. Blood samples were collected at days 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 post-mating (PM). The blood samples for hematological, biochemical and plasma minerals assay. ESR and eosinophils were showed no significant different (P≤0.05) during different gestation period. Excluding data for cholesterol, HDL and LDL, all other biochemical parameters in pregnant camels showed higher significant differences (P≤0.05). Calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium and magnesium were increased significantly different (P≤0.05) during various gestation period. Non-significant differences were observed between pregnant and non–pregnant females in WBC's, ESR, MCHC and differential leukocytes count, while P.C.V, Hb, RBC's, MCV and MCH exhibited higher significant different (P≤0.05) between different stages. The total protein, albumin, HDL and LDL higher significant different (P≤0.05), all other biochemical parameters between pregnant and non– pregnant were showed non- significant. Phosphorous was the unique mineral showed increased significant different (P≤0.05) between pregnant and non–pregnant female camels. In conclusion, different effects of gestation periods were noticed on some hematological, biochemical parameters as well as plasma minerals of Iraqi female camels.