Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the periparturient period on the haematological and biochemical profiles in female camels. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 10 female camels during the periparturient period (3 wk before to 3 wk after parturition; wk -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 and +3). None of the camels showed any evidence of clinical disease around parturition. The most important haematological abnormality was the increased neutrophil count during the first 2 wk after parturition. The globulin concentration increased significantly at wk +3 after parturition (P=0.03). The phosphorus and magnesium concentrations increased significantly at wk -2 and +3, respectively. The serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly elevated at wk 1 after parturition. The serum activity of GGT and ALP remained also high during the 2nd week after parturition. Glucose concentration increased significantly at wk 0 and wk +1 post-partum. The creatinine concentrations decreased significantly at wk 1 post-partum. Cortisol concentration increased significantly at parturition (wk 0). Oestrogen concentration increased significantly at wk -2, -1 and 0, but decreased significantly at wk 1, 2 and 3. Progesterone concentrations increased significantly at wk -2 and decreased at wk 0, 1, 2 and 3. Other tested parameters did not differ significantly pre- and post-partum. In conclusion, the haematobiochemical variables reported in this study could be used as a reference for female camels during the periparturient period.