Hormone secretion in serum of bactrian camels during breeding and nonbreeding seasons: Insights into reproductive physiology

Abstract

To enhance Bactrian camel population through reproductive technologies, 12 female camels (FC) aged 8-12 years underwent reproductive experiments involving synchronized estrus, superovulation, and artificial insemination. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we examined the secretion patterns of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), and progesterone (PROG) in reproductive and non-reproductive seasons of FC. Exogenous hormones GnRH+GnRH, GnRH+PGF2α, and PMSG were given to synchronize estrus in FC. Comparing peak times and secretion levels of reproductive hormones determined the optimal protocol for synchronized estrus. The study found a positive correlation between FSH and LH secretion in FC, with LH higher. Female camels exhibited an increase in E2 secretion during the transition from non-reproductive to reproductive seasons. Conversely, the concentration of PROG in plasma was higher during the Non-reproductive season compared to the reproductive season. A positive correlation was observed between E2 and PROG levels in FC during reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. Exogenous hormones induce LH and E2 peaks in 2-4 hours and 2-8 hours, respectively, for synchronized estrus. The GnRH+PGF2α hormone superior for estrus synchronization. Our study reveals distinct hormone secretion patterns in female camels during reproductive and non-reproductive seasons. Our findings have significant implications for novel breeding technologies.