Harmonal Variations in Rutual Period in Male Dromadaire (Camelus dromedarius) at Niono’s Agronomic Research Station in Mali

Abstract

Dromedary farming is one of the important strategies for adapting to climate change in Mali. Nevertheless, controlling dromedary reproduction is still a great challenge for its production enhancement. The present study, which aims to improve knowledge on the male dromedary reproduction physiology, was conducted on Niono Ranch Agronomic Research Station, from December 13, 2014 to February 06, 2015. It focused on 5 males including 1 adult aged 9-10 years and 4 peri-pubescent aged 4 to 5 years. Blood sample was taken in dry tubes after puncture of the jugular vein as follows: 1) in the dominant male, one sample per day in the absence of females in heat and three samples per day in the presence of females in heat were taken; 2) in the non-dominant males, blood sample was taken daily. Thus, 155 samples were collected from the 5 male dromedaries. Blood samples collected were site centrifuged and the serums obtained were kept in a thermoelectric cooler between 4 - 6°C and then transported for storage at -20°C. ELISA Sandwich method was applied to analyze blood samples using the testosterone specific luteinizing hormone (LH) kits. Serum concentrations obtained were 40.17 ± 3.95pg / ml of testosterone and 2.48 ± 0.38 mIU/ml of LH in dominant males against 20.15 ± 1.84pg / ml of testosterone and 1.09 ± 0.18 mIU/ml LH in non-dominant males. Testosterone and LH variations experienced similar evolution in a saw tooth curve form. Hormonal concentration rate influences the fear and aggression reactions that govern social rank. This hormonal rate concentration increases during intense sexual activities both in the dominant and the non-dominant males who attend a mating. This study laid out foundations for the male dromedary management in a camels herd.