Abstract
The effects of exercise on the concentrations of pyridinoline (PYD) cross-links, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and osteocalcin were studied in the serum of racing dromedary camels. Thirty healthy adult female race camels (aged 7-9 years) were used in this study. Serum samples were collected of each camel at rest and immediately at the end of training (moderate exercise: 3 Kin walking and 5 Km trotting) and at the end of race (maximum exercise: 8 Km maximal speed). ELISA was employed to determine the concentrations of serum PYD, BAP and osteocalcin. The results showed a significant increase in the levels of PYD after race, but not after training. The concentration of BAP significantly increased after training and after race. No change was observed in the level of osteocalcin after training or after race. It was concluded that moderate exercise enhanced bone formation without influence on bone resorption, whereas, maximum exercise enhanced both bone formation and resorption in adult race camels.