Modulation of body physiology and metabolism is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy in camels, which is about a year and few months. The present study was carried out to verify the effect of pregnancy on histomorphometry and functional traits of thyroid gland, as well as some biochemical indices of liver and kidney functions and mineral profile in one humped camels, under Egyptian climatic conditions or desert conditions. The thyroid tissues were fixed in 10% formalin solution and processed following routine histological techniques after gross examination and biometric assessment. Serum levels of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, thyroxineand thyroid stimulating hormone), serum blood metabolites (total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), liver enzymatic activity (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in pregnant (n=30) and non-pregnant (n=30) camels. There were no significant differences between the right and left thyroid lobes between pregnant and non-pregnant camel. Pregnant status in camels had insignificant influence on histological and functional traits of thyroid as well as serum blood metabolites, liver enzymes and minerals levels, as compared with non-pregnant animals during the first six months of pregnancy. Therefore, reproductive status (during early pregnancy) has no substantial effect on camel physiological mechanisms or metabolic activity.
This study aimed at evaluating the effect of reproductive stage on nutritional status, and hormonal and trace mineral levels in sheep and goats reared in harsh arid conditions in South Sinai, Egypt. Egyptian local breeds of sheep (n=74) and goats (n=58) raised in South Sinai were examined by means of transabdominal ultrasonography to verify single vs. multiple feti pregnancy or non-pregnant status. Serum samples were collected for assessment of progesterone and trace minerals (selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe)) levels. Evaluation of the nutritional status of animal flocks showed that the mean body condition score was below the average levels, but did vary noticeably with pregnancy or between sheep and goats. Serum progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant animals with multiple fetuses than those bearing single fetus (p < 0.01), and both were higher than the respective values in non-pregnant animals (p < 0.001). Serum trace mineral levels were too low with no significant differences caused by pregnancy, number of fetuses or animal species. From these results, we could conclude that the state of pregnancy and fetal number have a significant influence on serum levels of progesterone. However, the harsh conditions in South Sinai in terms of scarce precipitation, low cultivation chances and high water salinity are the major factors influencing nutritional status or trace mineral levels in the reared small ruminants, regardless of the reproductive state or species.
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