Effect of Season and Age on the Ovarian Size and Activity of One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

In this project, ovarian size and activity during the peak (November-April) and the low (May-October) breeding seasons in young and adult camels were studied. Ovaries of 92 camels (Camelus dromedarius), with clinically normal reproductive tracts, aged 3-15 years and slaughtered at Faisalabad or Lahore abattoirs over a period of 24 months, were collected. Jugular blood was collected from each animal before slaughter; the serum was separated and analyzed for oestradiol concentration. The size (length, width and thickness) and weight of each ovary were measured. Grossly observable Graafian follicles were counted and their diameter was measured using Vernier Calipers. The camels having ovaries presenting follicles more than 5 mm in diameter were taken as having active ovaries. The results showed that ovarian length, width and weight were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak than the low breeding season. The percentage of active ovaries was also significantly higher (p<0.01) during the peak than the low breeding season. However, the effect of season on ovarian thickness was non-significant. Similarly, the ovarian length, width, thickness, weight and activity did not vary significantly between young (3-7 years old) and adult (8-15 years old) animals. Serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the peak (67.70±1.36 pg/ml) than the low breeding season (15.25±1.54 pg/ml). It was concluded that in Pakistani camels ovarian size and activity were higher during the peak than the low breeding season. However, age of the camel (from 3 to 15 years) had no effect on these parameters.

Reproductive Diseases and Disorders of Female Camels: An Assessment and Pathological and Bacteriological Study in Eastern Ethiopia

“…However, the size and weight of the ovaries may be affected by the age, size of the animal, and stage of the reproductive cycle. Normally, ovarian size is higher during breeding seasons in young and adult camels [ 55 ]. Oophoritis is an inflammatory condition of the ovary.…”

Effect of the Stage of Sexual Cycle, Harvesting Technique and Season on Follicular Dynamics and Oocyte Quality of Zebu Cattle under Sudano-Sahelian Climate

“…[47] obtained a high oocyte yield when the cows had an average BCS (class 2). They confirmed that the nutritional status of the animal had an influence on the ovarian function in zebu cows, likewise the season of the year [37]. In fact, there is abundant and quality pasture in rainy season resulting in well fed cows.…”

Influence of Season on the Ovarian Biometry, Oocyte Yield and Quality in Buffaloes

“…However, the significant changes in ovarian weight found between seasons confirm the findings of Farrag [22] and Osman [23] that ovaries containing corpus luteum and follicles were larger than ovaries without either. In general, the values of ovarian length, width and weight in the camel were higher during the peak than the low breeding season for both ovaries as mentioned by Ali et al [24]. According to Tingari [25], the corpora lutea are formed by ruptured follicles that are usually found towards the ovary's poles, resulting in increased ovarian length and possibly width, but not thickness.…”