Abstract
The present investigation was conducted to estimate the oestradiol-17 beta (E-2), progesterone (P-4) and cortisol profile in the Arabian she-camel (Camelus dromedarius L.) pre-and postpartum. Five pregnant Arabian she-camels were used. Blood samples were collecteed on 42, 35, 28, 21, 14, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 days pre-and postpartum and on the day of parturition. The plasma was stored at -20 degrees C till use. The E2 concentration has increased significantly from day 42 prepartum (755 +/- 104 pmoll(-1)) to day 3 prepartum (1540 +/- 460 pmoll(-1)), before decreasing on the day of calving (28.0 +/- 12 pmoll(-1)) and remained low thereafter. The Pq concentration has decreased (p < 0.01) from day 42 prepartum (16.0 +/- 4.0 nmoll(-1)) to day 2 prepartum (8.0 +/- 2.5 nmoll(-1)) and remained low without any major fluctuations. Cortisol concentration was little changed from day 42 prepartum (27.5 +/- 3.2 nmoll(-1)) to day 2 prepartum (52.5 +/- 8.0 nmoll(-1)). However, it has increased on day one prepartum (860 +/- 17.3 nmoll(-1)) and peaked on the day of parturition (112.32 +/- 2.7 nmoll(-1)), before decreasing thereafter. The results showed that E-2 and the cortisol levels have increased sharply before parturition which might confirm their role in triggering parturition in the camel. While the decline of Pq seems to be required for the initiation of parturition too. It could be concluded that together with other parameters, oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone and cortisol may be used as good indicators to predict the time of parturition in the Arabian she-camel.