Blood constituents in relation to the reproductive state in she-camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Abstract

Progesterone, enzymes, minerals, trace elements, and total protein were determined in the blood serum of nine non-pregnant, early, mid-, and late pregnant as well as puerperal camels, and were assessed in their relation to the reproductive state. The progesterone level followed by the copper level reaches peak values at mid-pregnancy. The zinc level decreases with increasing pregnancy, alkaline phosphatase increases. Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia occur towards the end of pregnancy; the total protein content increases. Surprisingly, the manganese level remained more or less constant.