Influence of age and sex on certain serum biochemical parameters of dromedary camels

Background: The identification of the reference values of certain serum biochemical parameters in relation to the age was studied in dromedary camels. Methods: Fourteen healthy young camels (age: 3-5 months), 12 adult male and 10 female camels (age: 5-8 years) were used. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of certain serum parameters. Results: The reference range ( ± s×1.96) of serum- [Na + ] was 142-160 mmol/l and the percentile range (median (1. - 3.Quartile)) was 143-156 mmol/l for all age groups. The reference values of serum- [K + ] showed a significant (P<0.05) variation between the age groups being higher the young camels (4.2-7.4 mmol/l) compared to the adult groups (3.7-5.5 mmol/l). Serum- [Protein] and serum- [Albumin] showed significant (P<0.05) differences between the age groups. Significantly higher (P<0.05) reference range of 51-74 g/l and a percentile range of 59-67.7 g/l was observed in the adult female camels compared to young and adult male groups. Conclusion: These reference values are useful in detecting the influence of strong electrolytes such as Na + , K + and Cl - and weak acids (proteins) on the physiological and pathological status of the camels in relation to their age. Keywords: Camels, age, electrolyte concentrations, total protein, albumin, reference values.