Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the periparturient period in dromedary camels on the acute phase proteins (APPs) haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), and on the bone biomarkers osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP) and pyridinoline cross-links (PYD). For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 10 female dromedary camels during the periparturient period at 3 wk before expected parturition (TO), within 12 h of parturition (T1) and 3 wk after parturition (T2). Compared to values at TO, the serum concentrations of cortisol and estrogen increased significantly at T1 then decreased significantly at T2. On the contrary, the serum concentration of progesterone decreased significantly. at T1 and T2. Concerning the APPs, the serum concentrations of Hp and SAA increased significantly at T1 and then decreased at T2. The serum concentrations of the bone formation biomarkers OC and b-ALP did not differ significantly among TO, T1 and T2 values. On the other hand, the serum concentration of the bone resorption biomarker PYD decreased significantly at T1 then increased at T2. The increased serum concentrations of Hp and SAA proved that an acute-phase response had occurred in the camels at parturition. The bone formation biomarkers did not alter significantly during the periparturient period, while the bone resorption biomarker decreased significantly at parturition.