Effect of different management conditions on rutting behaviour of Indian dromedary camel

Bhakat, Champak; Raghavendra, S.; MSSahani, MSSahani

doi:10.9755/ejfa.v12i1.5085

Cited by 20 publications

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“…This finding might be interpreted taking into account that stereotypes have been considered as a coping mechanism during stressful situations, reducing cortisol secretion (Mason, 1991). The mean cortisol level over the day (18.55 ng/ml) in our camels was indeed within the normal range of cortisol plasma concentration observed in previous studies in camels during the breeding season (Ali et al, 2013; Bhakat, Raghavendra & Sahani, 2005; Fatnassi et al, 2014; Sid-Ahmed et al, 2013). Our result is also similar to the value (18.8 ± 2.0 ng/ml) obtained by Fatnassi et al (2014) in male camels housed in the same conditions (housed in a single box 24 h per day).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…Blathering and dulaa extrusion are considered signs of high libido in camels (Padalino et al, 2013) and, consequently, it is not surprising that they were positively correlated with testosterone in our study. Bhakat, Raghavendra & Sahani (2005) observed a higher testosterone level, over several weeks, in male camels exposed daily to females (visual contact for 30 min per day) compared to unexposed males, suggesting that exposure to females has long-term effects exposure. Our results, however, suggest that this rapid exposure to females had no impact on overall testosterone levels throughout the day because the value obtained in our study (9.01 ± 0.50 ng/ml) is quite similar to that obtained by Bhakat, Raghavendra & Sahani (2005) in male camels unexposed to females (8.42 ± 2.83 ng/ml).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…However, the daily mean plasma testosterone level was 9.01 ± 0.5 ng/ml, within the normal range reported in previous studies in camels during the breeding season (Al-Qarawi et al, 2000; Al-Qarawi et al, 2001; Deen, Vyas & Sahani, 2005; El-Harairy & Attia, 2010; Monaco et al, 2015). Plasma testosterone concentration may range from 2.6 ± 0.3 ng/ml (Al-Qarawi et al, 2000) to 42.14 ± 2.78 ng/ml (Deen, Vyas & Sahani, 2005), because it can be influenced by different parameters, such as diet (Mogawer et al, 2013), exposure to females (Bhakat, Raghavendra & Sahani, 2005) and age (Hassan, 2007). Al-Qarawi et al (2000) found that young (<3 years) and old camels (>15 years) presented the lowest concentration (respectively, 1.4 ng/ml and 2.6 ± 0.3 ng/ml) and the mature (5–15 years) the highest values (4.8 ± 0.6 ng/ml).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2 for the pathways), wall-licking, swaying, were categorized as stereotypical states while bar mouthing and head shaking were categorized as stereotypical events as had been done for such behaviors in a previous study (Padalino et al, 2014). Blathering, dulaa, teeth grinding, occipital gland scratching, flehmen and tail flapping were categorized as sexual behaviors, as in previous studies (Bhakat, Raghavendra & Sahani, 2005; Fatnassi et al, 2014; Ghoneim et al, 2012; Padalino et al, 2013; Vyas et al, 2001). …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

Aubé

Fatnassi

Monaco

et al. 2017

PeerJ

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BackgroundDaily rhythmicity has been observed for a number of hormonal and behavioral variables in mammals. It can be entrained by several external factors, such as light-dark cycle and scheduled feeding. In dromedary camels, daily rhythmicity has been documented only for melatonin secretion and body temperature. In this study, the daily rhythmicity of behavioral repertoire, cortisol and testosterone levels was investigated in captive male camels.MethodsSix clinically healthy male dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were used. The animals were housed in single boxes for 24 h daily and fed twice a day. Over a period of 48 h, behavioral observations were made and blood samples taken every two hours. The data were analyzed using diurnality index, conisor analysis and PROC mixed procedure.ResultsThe diurnality index for rumination and lying down was close to 0 (respectively, 0.09 and 0.19), while the indices for stereotypy, standing, feeding and walking were close to 1 (respectively, 0.74, 0.84, 0.92 and 0.85). Cosinor analysis revealed daily rhythmicity for all behaviors and for cortisol levels (acrophase at 12:57) but not for testosterone. Rumination and lying down (inactive behaviors) reached a peak during the scotophase, whereas feeding, walking and stereotypy (active behaviors) reached a peak during the photophase around midday. Cortisol level and expression of stereotypies peaked before and after food distribution and were negatively correlated (r = − 0.287, P = 0.005). Testosterone levels and expression of sexual behaviors were stimulated by the visual and olfactory contacts with the females and were positively correlated (r = 0.164, P = 0.040). Testosterone was also negatively correlated with cortisol (r = − 0.297; P = 0.003).DiscussionThese preliminary results provided new knowledge about the daily rhythm of behaviors in camels housed in boxes, suggesting that camels exhibit diurnal behavior pattern in the maintenance conditions outlined in the study. Daily rhythmicity seemed to be entrained not only by the light-dark cycle but also by scheduled feeding. The rise in stereotypy after food distribution could be due to the persistence of feeding motivation and frustration after the ingestion of food. Therefore, feeding practices should be improved to satisfy the foraging and feeding motivation of these camels. Behavioral and hormonal daily patterns in camels should be taken in consideration to adapt the management system, giving the animals more freedom during the light period and a diet richer in fiber, so as to improve reproductive performance, health and welfare.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

Aubé

Fatnassi

Monaco

et al. 2017

PeerJ

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“…One hour of paddock time was chosen, as set out in a study by Freire et al (2009) who proved that one hour or regular exercise in a paddock has positive effects on horse welfare. However, to enhance the male camel breeding season, 30 minutes of exposure to females had already been adopted by Bhakat et al (2005).…”

Section: Effects Of Different Management System On Camel Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

Male camel behavior and breeding management strategies: how to handle a camel bull during the breeding season?

Padalino

Monaco²,

Lacalandra

2015

Emir. J. Food Agric

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The present article reviews male camel behavior and breeding management strategies, providing an insight into the handling procedures and the most relevant welfare issues on these topics. Furthermore, it suggests some procedures for rearing, handling and collecting semen from camel bulls, based on results that have been achieved in the last twenty years and, recently, literature published with the aim of optimizing dromedary camel breeding. Camels are seasonal breeders and their breeding season (BS) is confined to the coolest winter months of the year; during the BS, also called "rutting period" or "rut", males exhibit morphological, behavioral and endocrinological peculiarities. Short breeding season, low libido and high aggressiveness are still some of the major cause of economic loss, poor reproductive performance and injuries, for camel breeding and industry. The application of ethology to approach, to train and to study camel bulls may be useful in the future to improve camel welfare and productive performances. Strong knowledge of animal learning and correct management procedure could be useful for camel technicians, owners, breeders, but also for veterinarians and others scientists.

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Behaviour: Behavioural Repertoire and Behavioural Needs of Camels

Fatnassi,

Padalino

2024

Animal Welfare

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Effect of different management conditions on rutting behaviour of Indian dromedary camel

Cited by 20 publications

References 0 publications

Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

Male camel behavior and breeding management strategies: how to handle a camel bull during the breeding season?

Behaviour: Behavioural Repertoire and Behavioural Needs of Camels

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