Selenium and copper status of camels in Al-Jouf area (Saudi Arabia)

In order to understand the changes in copper and selenium status in camel dam and calf around the calving period, blood samples were collected in 26 she-camel before delivery and after as well as their calves after birth. The mean values for the mother and their newborn were respectively 70.3 ± 19.8 and 58.6 ± 13.9 μg/100 ml for copper, 5.3 ± 3.7 and 4.6 ± 1.7 μg/100 ml for selenium. No change was observed for copper, but selenium increased after parturition in 81% of the case. The selenium status of camel calf was correlated with those of its mother, but not the copper. As the whole the correlation between selenium and copper was significantly positive. The selenium status was improved in camel receiving diet enriched with barley. The maternal transfer to milk has to be investigated.     

A Study on the Productivity and Diseases of Camels in Eastern Ethiopia

A study concerning performance traits of the Ethiopian camel indicated that, in the camel herds examined, there was one active bull camel for 25 females. The bull camel was 5 years old at puberty; it reached rutting vigour at the age of 9 years, the number of mountings per day was 8 during the breeding season, and the reproduction span was 10 years. The female camel reached puberty at 4 years of age; the age at first calving was 5 years, and the lactation period was one year; the calving interval was 2 years, the calving rate was 50%, and the reproduction span was 10–15 years. The survival rate of the newborn calves was 50%. The average milk yield was 2.5 L per day; the price of camel's milk was higher than that of cow's milk at US$0.5. Adult camels weighed around 500 kg; the dressing-out percentage was 52%. Mutton was preferred to camel meat, which came second in popularity, costing US$2/kg. Owing to their poor reproductive performance, camels are not efficient for producing meat. The camels worked for 16 h per day, covering 60 km. Animal health problems encountered were trypanosomosis, camel pox, camel pustular dermatitis, camel cephalopsis, dermatomycosis, mange mite, tick infestation and balantidiosis, most of which mainly affected the young animals.     

Erythrocyte Lipid Peroxides and Blood Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Acute Undifferentiated Diarrhoea in Calves

Undifferentiated acute calf diarrhoea is a major concern for the dairy industry and its aetiopathogenesis remains diverse. The present study aimed to examine the role of oxidative stress through estimation of erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels and blood zinc and copper concentrations using natural cases of diarrhoea in calves aged 15–30 days old. The calves were kept under identical managemental conditions and were provided with pooled whole colostrum during the first three days and thereafter with only whole milk until they were 1 month old. Diarrhoeic (n = 11) and normal calves (n = 11) of the same age group (15–30 days old) were randomly selected from an organized dairy farm for the study. The mean blood zinc concentration (50.01±2.45 μmol/L vs 66.06±3.06 μmol/L) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower and copper concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in diarrhoeic calves (12.90±0.31 μmol/L vs. 9.44±0.16 μmol/L) than in the healthy calves. The erythrocyte lipid peroxides level was higher (p < 0.05) in diarrhoeic calves (6.88±0.23 nmol malondialdehyde (MDA) per mg of haemoglobin (Hb)) than healthy calves (6.27±0.07 nmol MDA per mg Hb). From the results of the study it is concluded that oxidative stress and antioxidant minerals (zinc and copper) might play important roles in the aetiopathogenesis of bovine calf diarrhoea.     

Non-genetic factors influencing reproductive traits and calving weight in Saudi camels

Reproductive traits and calving weight were assessed in Saudi camels, and non-genetic factors influencing them were studied using data collected at Al Jouf centre from 1987 to 2009. Age at first conception, age at first calving, open period, calving interval, gestation length and weight at calving of camels averaged 42.3 months, 54.8 months, 10.6 months, 22.6 months, 377.5 days and 591.9 kg, respectively. A mixed model including the camel as a random effect was used to assess the effect of environmental effects on the traits studied. Age at first conception and age at first calving were affected by camel’s birth year. Open period and calving interval were not affected by parity or year of calving. However, camels that calved from October to February had a calving interval of 2.5 months higher than those that calved from March to September. Gestation length was affected by season and year of calving but not by parity or sex of calf. Camels calving from March to September had a gestation length 6.6 days shorter than those calving from October to February. Weight at calving was affected by parity and year of calving but not by season of calving. It was concluded that an improvement in camel reproductive traits is possible both through improving management systems and utilisation of controlled breeding techniques.     

Serum protein electrophoretic pattern in young and adult camels

OBJECTIVE: To compare the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in clinically healthy adult camels (between 3 and 8 years of age) and camel calves (less than 3 months of age). DESIGN: Laboratory analysis of serum from healthy camels. PROCEDURE: Blood was collected from 30 healthy adult camels and 30 camel calves and the serum separated. Total protein of each serum sample was estimated by automated chemistry analyser. The proteins were fractionated by automated electrophoresis on agarose gel. RESULTS: Serum proteins migrated on the agarose gel as one albumin, two alpha (alpha1 and alpha2-globulins), two beta (beta1 and beta2-globulins) and one gamma-globulin fractions. In adult camels the mean concentration of total protein, albumin alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and gamma-globulins was 56.8 +/- 1.5, 30.7 +/- 0.8, 2.4 +/- 0.1, 3.2 +/- 0.1, 9.7 +/- 0.3, 3.4 +/- 0.2 and 8.6 +/- 0.3 g/L, respectively. These values in calves were 49.7 +/- 1.8, 23.7 +/- 0.8, 3.2 +/- 0.2, 3.1 +/- 0.2, 14.2 +/- 0.2, 4.0 +/- 0.2 and 4.1 +/- 0.2 g/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: The concentration of total proteins, albumin and gamma-globulins was higher (P < 0.05) in the adult camels than in camel calves. The concentrations of beta1 globulins was higher (P < 0.05) in calves as compared to adult camels.     

Effect of racing on the serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase myocardial band in racing camels (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was designed to investigate the effect of racing on the serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase myocardial (CK-MB) in healthy racing camels (Camelus dromedarius). Twenty-three racing camels scheduled for a 5 km race were investigated in this study. From each camel, 3 blood samples were collected: 24 h before racing (T0), within 2 h after the race (T1) and 24 h post-race (T2). Following the 5 km race, 91.3 % of the racing camels had increases in serum cTnI concentrations, while concentrations remained unchanged in 8.7 %. The cTnI concentration (median 0.06 ng/mL; range, 0.03–0.15 ng/mL) was significantly higher (P?<?0.001) than the pre-race values (median 0.04 ng/mL; range, 0.01–0.07 ng/mL). Twenty-four hours post-race, the cTnI concentrations had returned very nearly to their pre-race values (median 0.04 ng/mL; range, 0.00–0.09 ng/mL) and were not significantly different (P?=?0.35) from the pre-race values. Following the 5 km race, increases in CK-MB mass were seen in 17.4 % of the camels, with no changes in 4.3 % and decreases in 78.3 %. The CK-MB mass (median 0.41 ng/mL; range, 0.19–0.60 ng/mL) did not differ significantly (P?=?0.84) when compared to the pre-race values (median 0.42 ng/mL; range, 0.32–0.55 ng/mL). Twenty-four hours post-race, the CK-MB mass concentrations (median 0.41 ng/mL; range, 0.15–0.55 ng/mL) did not differ significantly (P?>?0.05) compared to pre-race or immediate post-race values. Resting cTnI concentrations in the racing camels were initially low, but increased above the baseline level in most of the camels immediately after racing, and returned to pre-race values within the 24-h post-race period. CK-MB is a less sensitive biomarker for myocardial activity as compared with cTnI. These findings could be of importance when evaluating racing camels with suspected cardiac disease after recent hard exercise.     

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and its contribution to abortion in cattle,camel, and goat kept under pastoral management in Borana,Ethiopia

The involvement of Brucella infection in causing abortion was investigated in a breeding female subpopulation of 283 cattle, 756 camels, and 757 goats. Serum samples were serially tested using the Rose Bengal test and complement fixation test. The study showed that anti-Brucella antibodies were prevalent in 10.6% (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.4, 14.9), 2.2% (95%CI, 1.4, 3.7), and 1.9% (95%CI, 1.1, 3.2) of cattle, camel, and goats, respectively. Abortion was more commonly reported in camels (23.4%) than cattle (13.8%) and goats (12.4%). The results of this study suggested that Brucella infections contribute significantly to abortion in cattle (odds ratio (OR), = 4.7; 95%CI, 2.0, 10.8) and goats (OR = 6.9; 95%CI, 2.2, 21.7) but not in camels. The number of young animals produced by breeding females seems to be apparently reduced in seropositive groups. Keeping more than two animal species at household level was found to be the risk factor for cattle (OR = 3.1; 95%CI, 1.2, 7.9) and camel (OR = 5.3; 95%CI, 1.2–23.5) seropositivity to Brucella infection when compared to those animals from households that keep only two animal species. This may suggest a possibility of cross species transmission of Brucella infection under such mixed herding. Wet season (OR = 4.8; 95%CI, 1.3, 18.1) was found to be associated with seropositivity in goats, linked to a coincidence of increased deliveries in flocks with possible excretion of Brucella organisms. The study results suggest that Brucella infection is the likely cause of abortion in cattle and goats while other causes largely outweigh brucellosis as a cause of abortion in camels in Borana, hence, contributing to reproductive loss.     

Evaluation of the Breeding Soundness of Male Camels (Camelus dromedarius) via Clinical Examination,Semen Analysis,Ultrasonography and Testicular Biopsy: A Summary of 80 Clinical Cases

Male camel infertility is a heterogeneous disorder. A variety of factors may adversely affect sperm production and function and impair fertility. This study was designed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography and testicular biopsy in the evaluation of the breeding soundness of male dromedaries compared with results obtained by clinical examination and semen analysis. Eighty‐four male dromedary camels (5–15 years old) were used in this study during the rutting season (November–May). Four sexually mature male camels were used as controls. These animals were apparently healthy and had histories of normal fertility. Eighty infertile male camels were subjected to an algorithmic approach based on information collected during careful examinations of the camels' breeding histories, clinical examinations, testicular evaluations, testicular ultrasonographies, the results of the semen analyses and testicular biopsies to diagnose the camels' infertilities. The differences in the semen parameters between the control and infertile male camels were highly significant (p < 0.01). Regarding the diagnoses of male camel infertility, the results of testicular ultrasonographies and biopsies were compared with those from the semen analyses, and the accuracies of these tests were 92.5% and 90%, respectively. Additionally, the results of the testicular ultrasonographies were matched with those of the testicular biopsies of the infertile animals, and this comparison resulted in 85% accuracy. Testicular biopsy is a promising method that, along with a carefully performed history, clinical examination, an appropriate testicular ultrasonography procedure and semen analysis, can afford veterinarians the opportunity for more precise diagnosis and treatment of many dromedary infertility disorders.     

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of paratuberculosis of camels

Camels are the prime source of meat and milk in many desert regions of the world including Saudi Arabia. Paratuberculosis of camels, locally called Silag, is a serious and invariably fatal disease in the Arabian camel. Six camels were used in this study. Five camels with clinical paratuberculosis were used to study the pathology of the disease and confirm its aetiology. The sixth camel was clinically healthy and used as a control. The camels were examined clinically and bled for haematological and blood chemistry analysis. They were then humanely killed with a high intravenous dose of thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg) for pathological studies as well as obtaining tissues for microbiological and molecular studies. The clinical signs of the disease were emaciation, diarrhoea, alopecia, wry neck and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory diagnosis showed reduced haemoglobin concentration, low haematocrit and high activity of the serum enzyme alanine aminotransferase. Serum creatinine concentration was normal. These results indicated the infected camels were anaemic and the function of their livers was affected. Postmortem examination showed thickened and corrugated intestinal mucosa, enlarged granulomatous mesenteric lymph nodes, miliary and diffuse granulomas in the liver (in four camels), generalized lymph node granulomas (in one camel), splenic granuloma (in one camel) and mediastinal lymph node granuloma (in two camels). Histopathological examination showed diffuse infiltration of macrophages in all organs showing lesions. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of tissue scraping and tissue sections showed masses of acid fast bacilli, except for the spleen. Infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was confirmed by PCR by targeting the IS900 gene.     

Predisposing factors in enterotoxemias of camels (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Clostridium perfringens type A.

C. perfringens type A was isolated from different organs and intestines from breeding and racing camels which died from peracute and acute enterotoxemias in two separate outbreaks. Pathological changes in the digestive tract were mild in breeding camels, and severe in racing camels. A polyvalent clostridial antiserum of bovine origin given intravenously had a life-saving effect on breeding camels, but not on racing camels. In the two outbreaks, fifty percent of the breeding camels were suffering from an acute Trypanosoma evansi infection, and 25% of the racing camels had developed a salmonellosis. It is suggested that both infections played an important role as predisposing factors for the outbreak of C. perfringens enterotoxemias.     

Reproductive performance of camels (Camelus dromedarius) under pastoral management and its influence on herd development

Camels (Camelus dromedarius) produce milk and offspring and provide transport in pastoral husbandry systems in the Afro-Asian dryland belt. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproductive performance of camels kept under pastoral management in northern Kenya. Using the Progeny History surveying technique, data were collected from 471, 287 and 416 adult Rendille, Gabra and Somali female camels including data on 1506, 789 and 1206 parturitions, respectively. Surveys took place from January to December 1995, but data refer to the 15-year production period preceding the survey. Age at first calving (AFC) was 58.4±1.0 months (LSMeans±S.E.), 63.0±1.1 months and 68.4±1.3 months for the Somali, Rendille and Gabra camels, respectively.The mean calving interval was similar for all three populations with 27.3±0.6 months (LSMeans±S.E.) for Rendille camels, 28.0±0.6 months for Gabra (n=500) and 28.4±0.6 months for Somali camels. The annual calving rate varied between 33% and 46% in the Somali, 19% and 44% in the Gabra and 8% and 86% in the Rendille camel population. Calf mortality rate averaged 25%, 22% and 27% in Rendille, Gabra and Somali camel calves, respectively, and showed highest variation between the years in the Rendille system (5% to 60%).The number of adult breeding females increased by about 20% over a simulation period of 10 years using the status quo reproductive parameters and by about 70% with improved AFC and CI (excluding AFC>78 months and CI>36 months). The results reveal the usual and unusual variation in the reproductive parameters over different years and in the different systems. It is concluded that eliminating unusual variation is a promising way to enhance herd development and reduce risk in the production systems.     

Seroepidemiologic studies of the detection of antibodies to Brucella, Chlamydia, Leptospira, BVD/MD virus, IBR/IPV virus and enzootic bovine leukosis virus (EBL) in dromedary mares (Camelus dromedarius)

Camels which are bred for the purpose of racing were tested serologically for 6 different animal diseases. The group were split into racing and breeding camels. The following results were achieved: Brucellosis, breeding camels 2%, racing camels 6.6%; Chlamydiosis 24%, 15%; Leptospirosis 2.5%, 5.6%; BVD/MD 9.2%, 3.6%. No antibodies were detected against IBR/IPV- and EBL-virus. The results are discussed under an epidemiological point of view.     

Studies on the relationship between sway disease of bactrian camels and copper status in Gansu province

The clinical signs of camel sway disease in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu province were defined. The contents of eight minerals in soils, in forage and in the blood and hair of bactrian camels from this region were determined. The related blood indices were also measured. The concentration of molybdenum in soils and forage was 4.8±0.02 and 4.8±0.25 µg/g (dry matter), respectively, the copper to molybdenum ratio in the forage being only 1.3. The concentration of copper in blood and hair from the camels was 0.28±0.17 µg/ml and 3.50±1.00 µg/g, respectively. There was a hypochromic microcytic anaemia and a low level of ceruloplasmin in the blood. It is therefore suggested that sway disease of bactrian camels in this region is caused by secondary copper deficiency, mainly due to the high molybdenum content in soils and forage. The copper deficiency in the camels was aggravated during reproduction. Oral administration of copper sulphate can prevent and cure the disease.Abbreviations AKP alkaline phosphatase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Cp ceruloplasmin - Crt creatinine - DM dry matter - -GGT -glutamyltransferase - Hb haemoglobin concentration - LDH lactate dehydrogenase - MCH mean corpuscular haemoglobin content - MCHC mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - MCV mean corpuscular volume - PCV packed cell volume - RBC red blood cell count     

Age-related changes in the anatomical characteristics of Peyer's patches in small intestine of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus)

The distribution, size, and appearance of Peyer's patches vary according to species. In order to determine the anatomical characteristics of Peyer's patches in small intestine of Bactrian camel, and age-related changes in the number of Peyer's patches, 40 Bactrian camels of the following four age groups were studied: young (0.5–2 years), pubertal (3–5 years), middle-aged (6–16 years), and old (17–20 years). The exact number of Peyer's patches was recorded, and the appearance of Peyer's patches was described in detail. The results indicated that Peyer's patches of Bactrian camels not only have a particular anatomical location and distinct appearance but also change with age. They were distributed in the whole small intestine and there were four distinct types of Peyer's patches: nodular, faviform, cup-shaped, and cystic form Peyer's patches. However, the nodular and cystic form Peyer’s patches are specific to Bactrian camel, which have not been found in other animals including Dromedary camel. In addition, the distribution density of Peyer's patches in ileum was the maximum, then was jejunum and duodenum. Further statistical analysis showed that the number of Peyer's patches was altered with age. The number peaked in 5-year-old camels and declined subsequently with age. However, there was little change in the size of Peyer's patches in different age groups; no age-related macroscopic variations in the shape or size of the Peyer's patches were found. Results obtained from this study provide the basic information to further study on the gastrointestinal mucosal immunity of Bactrian camel.     

Influence of dietary chromium yeast supplementation on apparent trace elements metabolism in growing camel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus dromedarius</Emphasis>) reared under hot summer conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation on the apparent metabolism of some trace elements in camel calves reared under hot summer conditions. The study was conducted on a total of 15 male camel calves (5–6 months old) reared under hot summer conditions for 12 weeks. The animals were housed individually under shelter and divided into three dietary treatment groups (diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, or 1.0 mg Cr/kg DM), five animals each. At the end of the study, a metabolic trial was conducted on all camels for the evaluation of trace elements metabolism. Cr excretion, absorption, and retention showed an increasing trend with the increasing level of dietary Cr supplementation. Dietary Cr supplementation at 0.5 mg Cr/kg DM to camel calves resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Cu and an increasing trend in Zn and Mn excretion via urine and feces. However, Fe retention increased significantly (P < 0.05) in camel calves fed on diet supplemented with Cr. Dietary Cr supplementation to camel calves resulted in an increasing trend of plasma Cr concentration, while plasma concentration of Cu and Zn tended to decrease and without any effect on plasma Fe concentration. The results of the present study suggests that care should be taken for the negative interaction of Cr with the utilization of other trace elements, in cases where Cr is supplemented to the diet as a feed additive to promote growth and immunity under hot climatic conditions.     

Effect of copper edetate injection in dry pregnant cows on hematology,blood metabolites,weight gain and health of calves

The objectives of the present study was to investigate the effects of the copper injection and injection timing to pregnant dairy cows at dry period on the hematology, some serum metabolites, health and growth of their calves. Thirty Holstein cows at the dry period were assigned to the three following experimental groups: 1) control (injections of 2.5 ml normal saline), 2) test 1 (125 mg Cu as copper edetate injection at the first week of the dry period) and 3) test 2 (125 mg Cu as copper edetate injection at the third week of the dry period). Ten milliliters of jugular blood was taken from all calves 24–48 h after birth and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age for measuring hematological and biochemical parameters. For evaluation of growth and health, body weight of all of the calves was measured at birth and at the end of the trial, and the health of calves was checked by a technician twice a day and any sign of illness, treatment (if needed) and duration of illness was recorded. Copper treatment was proved to have a significant effect on the counts of WBC (lower in test 2, higher in test 1), lymphocyte (lower in test 2, higher in test 1) and the concentrations of fibrinogen (lower in test 1, higher in test 2), cholesterol (lower in control, higher in test 1) and copper (lower in test 1, higher in test 2) (p < 0.05). Age (sampling time) also influenced most measured parameters (p < 0.05) except values of WBC, neutrophil, monocyte, globulin and concentrations of iron, zinc and copper.     

Serosurvey of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Laikipia County,Kenya

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are an important protein source for people in semi‐arid and arid regions of Africa. In Kenya, camel populations have grown dramatically in the past few decades resulting in the potential for increased disease transmission between humans and camels. An estimated four million Kenyans drink unpasteurized camel milk, which poses a disease risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of a significant zoonotic pathogen, Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), among 334 camels from nine herds in Laikipia County, Kenya. Serum testing revealed 18.6% positive seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (n = 344). Increasing camel age was positively associated with C. burnetii seroprevalence (OR = 5.36). Our study confirmed that camels living in Laikipia County, Kenya, have been exposed to the zoonotic pathogen, C. burnetii. Further research to evaluate the role of camels in disease transmission to other livestock, wildlife and humans in Kenya should be conducted.     

Evolution of Fructosaminaemia and Glucaemia during the Growth of Unweaned and Early Weaned Half-bred Zebu Calves

The purposes of the study were to obtain the confidence intervalsfor serum fructosamine concentrations in unweaned and early weaned calves, to verify the changes in this glycated protein during growth, when glucaemia declines, and to assess the changes in both parameters attributable to stress or alarm. Sixty out of 120 suckling half-bred zebu calves (60–75 days old) were weaned at day 0 and then received a commercial balanced diet, while the remainder continued to suck. Blood samples were taken at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90 and 120 days and the serum fructosamine and glucose concentrations were measured by conventional methods. Both biochemical parameters declined with time, but there were no statistical differences between the unweaned and weaned calves. The fall in fructosamine concentration correlated significantly with the decline in glucose concentrations in both groups. The confidence interval for fructosamine concentration decreased with age, from 294–303 mol/L at 2 months old to 215–232 mol/L at 6 months old. At the same time, glucaemia declined from 7.5–8.6 mmol/L to 4.8–5.3 mmol/L. Acute elevations in glucaemia, especially in the younger calves, were attributed to alarms, such as those caused by handling and blood extraction. The absence of resultant increases in fructosamine concentration discounts the existence of prolonged hyperglucaemias (stress) in early weaned calves.     

Cardiac biomarker changes in camels (Camelus dromedarius) secondary to road transportation

ObjectivesLittle is known about cardiac biomarkers in camels despite their extensive use as draft animals. This study was designed to establish reference ranges for the cardiac biomarkers cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase myocardial b fraction (CK-MB) in healthy camels and to investigate their changes in response to road transportation.AnimalsTwenty-five healthy camels transported for a 5 h round-trip journey.MethodsNone of the camels had evidence of cardiac abnormalities on cardiac auscultation, echocardiography or electrocardiography. Three blood samples were obtained from each camel: 24 h before transportation (T0), within 2 h after unloading (T1) and 24 h after transportation (T2).ResultsThe mean cTnI concentration in the camels was 0.032 ± 0.023 ng/mL. All the camels had resting cTnI concentrations of <0.08 ng/mL. At T1, the cTnI concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in all 25 camels compared to values at T0. The CK-MB concentration in the camels was 0.19 ± 0.05 ng/mL. All the camels had resting CK-MB concentrations of <0.33 ng/mL. At T1, the CK-MB concentration was higher in 3/25 camels compared to values at both T0 and T2. Concerning the hematobiochemical variables, significant increases were detected at T1 in total white blood cells, total protein, globulin, magnesium and phosphorus. Cardiac troponin I, CK-MB and all the hematobiochemical parameters had returned to their pre-transport values at T2.Conclusions5 h road transportation might have transient adverse effects on the cardiac muscle of healthy camels.     

Investigation of Immunmodulatory effects of levamisole and vitamin E on Immunity and some blood parameters in newborn Jersey calves

The immunmodulatory effects of dl-α tocopherol (vitamin E) and levamisole on the immune system and some blood parameters of newborn Jersey calves were investigated with the present study. Treatment groups 1, 2 and 3 were injected 13,3 ml isotonic saline solution (0,9% NaCl), 3 mg/kg levamisole HCl and 2000 IU vitamin E weekly, starting at birth until the age of two weeks. Average serum IgM levels of the control, levamisole and vitamin E calves were 111,7 ± 9,3 mg/100 ml, 251,9 ± 27,6 mg/100 ml, 202,2 ± 43,3 mg/100 ml respectively on day 22. Average serum IgG levels of the levamisole and vitamin E groups elevated, compared to the control group on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. However, there were stastistically differences in treatment and control groups for serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride and cortisol values and whole blood counts. All differences were in the reference ranges. Levamisole and vitamin E could be used as an alternative way for their beneficial effects such as improving the humoral immune responses of calves and their safety and practical use against the neonatal period infections in the field.