DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract | Present study was designed to use hormonal biomarkers in terms of progesterone and estradiol as early pregnancy indicators in female dromedary camel. A total of 44 female Marecha camels were selected in Thal desert of Pakistan during breeding season (December-March) and kept under semi-intensive management system (SIMS). Selected animals were divided into two comparable groups of 22 animals in each to determine the hormonal profile. G1 was composed on lactating non-pregnant while G2 had newly bred she camels. Blood samples from G1 was collected at first day of trial, while G2 animals blood collection was done at day 14th and 21st day post mating. All the blood samples were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for five min; serum was collected and stored at – 18°C for laboratory analysis. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to measure serum progesterone and estradiol levels. Progesterone and estradiol levels were found significantly high (P<0.05) with the value of 3.46±0.25 ng/ml at day 14th and 4.45±0.34 ng/ml at day 21st in G2 (Pregnant animals), while in non-pregnant group serum P4 concentration was recorded to be 1.05±0.29 ng/ml which is considered as basal level of progesterone in dromedary camel. Mean serum estrogen concentration (P<0.05) was found to be 25.28±2.71, 54.80±2.52 pg/ml at 14th and 21st day post mating respectively in pregnant group of animals, while in lactating non pregnant animals E2 level was recorded as 10.38±1.52 pg/ml. Hormonal biomarker values were found to be significantly higher in G2 than G1. Present findings are suggestive of serum progesterone and estrogen levels as biomarkers of early pregnancy detection in female dromedary camel. Novelty Statement | The study has significant values as it talks about the hormonal levels related to early pregnancy diagnosis in lactating Marecha she-camels, a contribution towards modern approaches in research of camel reproduction. As the Marecha camel is the main breed of Pakistan, playing very important role in rural economy of desert areas of the country, this specific study will be used to build the country’s data base for future research.