No abstract

During breeding season, plasma prolactin concentration levels were measured pre-mating and monthly up to the 12 th months post-mating in all animals (n=20), and post-calving only in pregnant animals (n=17) of 20 Maghrebi she-camels. The experimental she-camels were divided according to their parity order (1 st to 6 th parity). Concentration of prolactin was determined of all parities at different reproductive stages (Pre-mating, pregnancy stages, and post-calving). Results showed insignificant (P≥0.05) effect of camel parity on prolactin concentration at each reproductive stage, but prolactin showed similar trend of changes within each parity by advancing reproductive stage. Plasma prolactin nearly maintained its levels during the period from pre-mating up to the 9 th month post-mating, then started to increase (P<0.05) up to the 12 th months post mating. Prolactin showed similarity in pregnant and non-pregnant during the 1 st month post-mating and insignificant differences from the 3 rd month up to the 9 th month post-mating, thereafter showed significant increase in pregnant than in non-pregnant up to the 12 th months post-mating.From the results of the study, it is clear that the effect of camel parity order/age on blood prolactin levels is limited. However, blood prolactin level was pronouncedly affected by reproductive status of shecamels such as pre-mating estrous activity, pregnancy stage, and calving and lactation.