Prevalence of Surra among camels and horses in Jordan

The prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi infection among camels and horses in Jordan was studied using thick blood smears and inoculation techniques with mice and rats. A total of 437 camels and 83 horses from four climatic zones were surveyed. In addition, 40 donkeys, 32 cattle and 35 goats in contact with infected camels and horses were also tested in the same way. Clinical disease was evident in 8.2% of the camels (36 out of 437) and in 9.6% of the horses (8 out of 83). Infection was limited only to the Sweama area on the Dead Sea (within the warm desert-climatic zone), with prevalence of 30.5% and 33.3%, respectively, for camels and horses. Donkeys, cattle and goats examined were all free from T. evansi. Clinically affected camels were positive by both, thick blood smear and mouse and rat inoculations. Rat and mouse inoculations revealed (X²=3.2, df=1, exact p=0.07) greater number of positive cases in horses than those revealed by thick blood smears. T. evansi-infected camels and horses showed all the clinical signs known for Surra. In addition, it was observed that 100% of infected camels stared at the sun.     

Evaluation of sexual behavior of housed male camels (Camelus dromedarius) through female parades: correlation with climatic parameters

Camels are seasonal breeders, and their sexual behavior is influenced by environmental conditions, but the relationship between climatic factors and sexual behavior has been poorly described in the available literature. Nowadays, the male camel living habit is shifting towards captivity; thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the sexual behavior of housed male dromedary camel through female’s parades and to correlate it with climatic parameters. Four housed sires, reared for semen collection, and one dam were used and the trial lasted 8 weeks, considering the first week as control. Six days per week and during evenings, the female was brought near each males’ boxes, while two observers filled a behavioral sampling ethogram and scored the male sexual behavior. After this parade, blood samples were taken from the female to evaluate the estradiol concentration. In addition, the following meteorological parameters were recorded, everyday, at 9:00 a.m. and 19:00 p.m.: pressure, wind, temperature, humidity, and H-index. The correlation between sexual behavioral score and female estradiol concentration and climate parameters was analyzed. All the behavioral parameters showed a significant upward trend; female estradiol concentration varied during the period and picked at week 5. Male sexual behavior was negatively correlated with morning H-index, wind, and temperature, and positively correlated with pressure and evening humidity, whereas it was not correlated with estrogen. In conclusion, female parade was a successful method to evaluate and stimulate the occurrence of housed male dromedary camel sexual activity that resulted to be negatively affected by hot temperature, warm wind, and lack of rain.     

Effect of 131I-induced hypothyroidism on indices of reproductive function in adult male dogs

Hypothyroidism has been cited as a cause of infertility, abnormal semen quality, and poor libido in people and animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on variables indicative of reproductive function in adult male dogs. Nine normal dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Hypothyroidism was induced with 131I in 6 dogs. Three dogs remained untreated, normal, and euthyroid. Thyroid hormone concentrations, body weight, clinical signs, and reproductive function were determined for each dog every 3 months for 2 years. Reproductive function was assessed by determining daily sperm output, total scrotal width, spermatozoal motility and morphology, libido, and serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentration responses to exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The 131I-treated dogs developed clinical and laboratory signs of hypothyroidism. In the hypothyroid dogs, serum concentrations of thyroid hormones were consistently below the reference range and were significantly lower than that in the euthyroid dogs. There was no difference in reproductive function between the hypothyroid and euthyroid dogs. The results of this study show that 131I-induced hypothyroidism does not affect indices of reproductive function in adult male dogs.     

Gross and microscopic pulmonary lesions of camels from Eastern Ethiopia

Camels are important animals for pastoralists in the northeastern, eastern, southeastern and southern parts of Ethiopia. This paper reports on abattoir study of respiratory lesions in 104 adult camels at the Dire Dawa abattoir (88 male and 16 female). The study showed 98% of the examined lungs had one or more lesions. The most common lesions were pulmonary fibrosis (50.00%), pneumoconiosis (34.62%), hydatid cyst (30.80%), pulmonary abscess (3.85%) and parasitic bronchopneumonia (0.96%). The distribution of pneumoconiosis and hydatid cyst varied significantly (p < 0.05) among different lobes, the highest being seen in the caudal lobe. For the different lesions there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in distribution among male and female camels. Possible explanations for the occurrence of the lesions are discussed. And recommendations forecasted are made.     

Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: heavy metal and trace element profiles and their relations to clinical findings and semen quality

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aim of this study was to investigate the profiles of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), and...     

Cytologic analysis of synovial fluid in clinically normal tarsal joints of young camels (Camelus dromedarius)

BACKGROUND: Camels are important in the racing industry and for milk, meat, and hair production in the Middle East. Evaluation of synovial fluid is an important part of the assessment of musculoskeletal injuries in this species. Information in the literature regarding synovial fluid in camels is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the protein and cellular composition of synovial fluid from the tarsal joints of clinically normal, young camels (Camelus dromedarius). METHODS: Thirty clinically healthy, male camels, aged 9 to 12 months, were used in the study. Synovial fluid samples were collected from the right and left tarsal joints. Samples were processed within 60 minutes after collection. Total nucleated cell counts (TNCC) were assessed using a hemacytometer. Total protein concentration was determined using a refractometer. RESULTS: Forty-six samples were analyzed. The TNCC (mean +/- SD) was 175.8 +/- 136.7 cells/microL (range 50-678 cells/microL). Differential cell percentages were obtained for lymphocytes (58.2 +/- 21.55%, range 15-90%), monocyte/macrophages (38.3 +/- 20.8%, range 10-85%), and neutrophils (3.5 +/- 5.1%, range 0-15%). Protein concentration was 2.1 +/- 0.6 g/dL (range 1-3 g/dL). Significant differences were not observed in any parameters between right and left tarsal joints. CONCLUSION: Synovial fluid reference values were established and may be useful in the clinical investigation of joint disease in young camels.     

Pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftriaxone after single intravenous and intramuscular administration in camels (Camelus Dromedarius)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the plasma disposition kinetics of ceftriaxone in female camels (n=5) following a single intravenous (i.v.) bolus or intramuscular (i.m.) injections at a dosage of 10mg kg(-1) body weight in all animals. A crossover design was carried out in two phases separated by 15 days. Jugular blood samples were collected serially for 48h and the plasma was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Following single i.v. injections the plasma concentration time curves of ceftriaxone were best fitted to a two-compartment model. The drug was rapidly distributed with half-life of distribution t(1/2alpha) of 0.24+/-0.01h and moderately eliminated with elimination rate constant and elimination half-life of 0.27+/-0.13h(-1) and 2.57+/-0.52h, respectively. The volume of distribution at steady state (V(dss)) was 0.32+/-0.01lkg(-1) and the total body clearance (Cl(tot)) was 0.11+/-0.01lkg(-1)h(-1), respectively. Following i.m. administration, the mean T(max), C(max), t(1/2el) and AUC values for plasma data were 1.03+/-0.23h, 21.54+/-2.61microg ml(-1), 1.76+/-0.03h and 85.82+/-11.21microg ml(-1)h(-1), respectively. The i.m. bioavailability was 93.42+/-21.4% and the binding percentage of ceftriaxone to plasma protein was moderate, ranging from 33% to 42% with an average of 34.5%.     

A survey of chemical and nutritional characteristics of halophytes plants used by camels in Southern Tunisia

The camel (Camelus dromedarius) is well adapted to the utilization of vegetation of low nutritional value in its natural habitat zone, thanks to its aptitude to vary food and to search plants that are rich in water content and that can make up for its nutritional deficits, particularly as concerns mineral elements. Therefore, a survey was carried out to determine camels pasture quality, dietary preference and to characterize the chemical characteristics and nutritional value of different halophytes plants in a region of Southern Tunisia during spring season. Laboratory analysis were conducted on fourteen vegetable species appertained to seven different botanical families: Chenopodiaceae, Graminaceae, Tamaricaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Asteraceae, Frankeniaceae and Plumbaginaceae. Data obtained indicate an high variability of nutritional content of halophytes plants preferred by camels, specially for dry matter, crude protein, fiber fractions, ash and mineral elements.     

Effects of Hemicastration on Testes and Testosterone Concentration in Stallions

The endocrine system is critical to the maintenance of testicular function. The homeostasis of sex hormone levels is orchestrated by positive and negative feedback systems controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study investigated the long-term effects of hemicastration on testicular size and function in stallions. Four Thoroughbred stallions, 4–6 years of age, were included in this study. Several parameters, including testicular weight and volume, plasma testosterone concentrations, VASA-positive germ cell populations and cross-sectional areas of the seminiferous tubules were compared in stallions that underwent two hemicastrations, approximately 11 months apart. The weights and volumes of testes harvested at the second hemicastration were significantly higher than those of testes collected at the first hemicastration. However, VASA-positive germ cell populations and the cross-sectional areas of seminiferous tubules were not significantly different between testes harvested at the first and second hemicastrations. Similarly, plasma testosterone concentrations measured weekly for 3 weeks before the first hemicastration, 3 weeks after the first hemicastration, and 3 weeks before the second hemicastration were not significantly different. Our results suggest that hemicastration results in compensatory enlargement of the remaining testis and compensatory steroidogenesis to maintain normal reproductive function in stallions.     

朱鹮粪样睾酮和雌二醇水平的初步测定

本试验通过粪样睾酮（T）和雌二醇（17B-B）水平的测定，建立了一种简单易行的朱鹩粪样激素测定方法。结果表明，雌鸟粪中雌二醇水平显著高于雄鸟，分别为672．65±97．39ng/g和68．28±32．03ng/g；雄乌粪中睾酮水平显著高于雌乌，分别为2527．95±1100．51ng/g和327．77±132．62ng/g。以粪样代替血样，作为一种非损伤性的采样方法，在自然状态下监测朱鹩体内激素水平的变化，为进一步开展朱鹩的生殖内分泌研究提供了新的思路。     

Effect of active immunization against GnRH on testosterone concentration,libido and sperm quality in mature AI boars

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of the Improvac on testosterone concentration in blood serum, sexual behavior and sperm quality in matured AI boars. A total of nine Danish Landrace AI boars were included in the analysis.

Methods

The trial period lasted for 15 weeks and was divided into four periods: Control period: three weeks before vaccination; Period I – four weeks after first vaccination; Period II – four weeks after second vaccination, Period III – four weeks after third vaccination. Blood and sperm samples were collected at weekly intervals. Freshly collected sperm samples were analyzed.

Results

Testosterone concentration correlated with libido (r = 0.531; p < 0.001), volume of ejaculate (r = 0.324; p < 0.001) and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (r = 0.207; p < 0.05). Testosterone concentration rised significantly (p < 0.05) in 5–6 week of trial, e. i. after the first dose of Improvac and after this peak the level of testosterone further progressively decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results from this study indicate that active immunization of sexually matured boars against GnRH has negative impact on testosterone concentration, sexual behavior, volume of ejaculate and total number of normal spermatozoa in ejaculate.     

Relationship between Testosterone Responses to Administration of GnRH and Breeding Performance in Boars

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between peripheral testosterone responses to the administration of GnRH and breeding performance in boars. Twelve, sexually mature Large White boars were used. The first blood samples were collected at 9.00. At that time all boars received 100 μg GnRH (Ovurelin inj. A.U.V. Reanal). The second blood samples were taken 2.5 hours after the injection of GnRH. Serum was analyzed for testosterone by radioimmunoassay. Breeding performance was evaluated over a 150-day breeding season. The basal and the stimulated testosterone levels were related to the breeding performance. The correlation coefficient between breeding performance and post-GnRH peripheral testosterone concentration was significant (r = 0.61; P ≤ 0.05). This data suggests that the increase of the peripheral testosterone concentration may be one of the indicators for breeding performance in boars.     

Camel dairy in Somalia: Limiting factors and development potential

Camels milk has played an important role in the nutrition of the population in arid zones of East African countries. Traditionally the most common forms of consumption are either fresh or fermented. Due to the increased commercialisation of the products in urban areas, a better knowledge on the quantity available and the quality supplied was needed to be assessed. Through a survey addressed to 204 herd owners in Puntland – Northeast Somalia – data on herd structure, animal health and milk production have been obtained and recommendations are given.     

Aetiological analysis and diagnosis of reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels

The purpose of this paper was to analyse the aetiology and methods of diagnosing reproductive disorders in male dromedary camels. Male camel infertility manifests as one of three conditions: post-coital infertility (IG), inability to copulate (IC) and lack of sexual desire (LSD). IG is mainly a testicular disorder that is linked to a deteriorated seminogram, arrested spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell-only syndrome and testicular degeneration. For IG diagnosis, semen analysis, testicular biopsy and fine-needle aspiration are gold standards. Testicular ultrasonography was generally inefficient. High serum FSH was found in IG camels with oligo- and azoospermia, implying primary spermatogenesis defects. The testis-expressed protein (TEX101) and the epididymis-expressed protein (ECM1) are reliable biomarkers for distinguishing between obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia. IC manifests in two forms: phimosis (PHI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). PHI is frequently linked to preputial and penile pathologies, as well as leucocytosis, neutrophilia and elevated nitric oxide metabolites. The majority of camels with ED have normal genital organs, and the condition is associated with an increase in cardiac troponin I. LSD is a rare disorder brought on by hormonal imbalances, high temperatures, stress and debilitating diseases. In conclusion, IG diagnosis necessitates semen analysis, testicular biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, and FSH testing, whereas IC diagnosis requires preputial and penile examinations. Diagnostic aids include serum and seminal biomarkers.     

维生素E对绵羊原代睾丸间质细胞睾酮合成的影响

本试验旨在研究维生素E对绵羊原代睾丸间质细胞睾酮合成的影响。选择2月龄杜×寒杂交公羔,屠宰后取睾丸组织。分离绵羊睾丸间质细胞,随机分为4个处理组,每个处理组3皿,培养基内添加不同浓度维生素E(0、40、80、160μg/m L)。培养结束后,测定培养基上清睾酮含量,将细胞裂解测定睾酮合成相关酶3β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶(3β-HSD)、17β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶(17β-HSD)、胆固醇侧链裂解酶(P450scc)、17α-羟化酶(CYP17)以及睾酮合成相关基因3β-HSD、17β-HSD、P450scc、CYP17、类固醇合成急性调节蛋白(St AR)基因相对表达量。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加40μg/m L维生素E有提高绵羊睾丸间质细胞睾酮分泌量的趋势(P=0.061),添加40μg/m L维生素E能显著提高P450scc和3β-HSD酶含量(P0.05),P450scc m RNA与3β-HSD m RNA相对表达量也显著提高(P0.05)。     

外生殖器发育不全公鹅睾丸组织学及血浆睾酮水平研究

本试验以天府肉鹅母系 (四川白鹅 ,WW)、天府肉鹅父系 (川朗鹅 ,WL)、朗德鹅 (LL)为试验材料 ,研究不同品种公鹅和外生殖器官发育不同 (发育正常 :WLn、LLn ,发育异常 :WLa、LLa)公鹅睾丸的形态学、组织学特性、超微结构及血浆睾酮水平。结果表明 :公鹅睾丸重量、体积、曲细精管直径、生殖上皮高度、生殖细胞总数的数密度、精原细胞的数密度、精母细胞的数密度、精细胞的数密度、精子的数密度、间质细胞的数密度 ,WW公鹅显著大于WLn和LLn ;WLn大于LLn ,但差异不显著 ;WLn、LLn显著大于WLa和LLa ;WLa与LLa间差异不显著。公鹅睾丸超微结构可观察到各级生殖细胞数量WW多于WLn和LLn ;WLn、LLn多于WLa和LLa ;血浆睾酮水平 ,WW公鹅显著高于WLn和LLn ;WLn、LLn显著高于WLa和LLa ;WLn显著高于LLn ,WLa显著高于LLa。睾丸重量、体积及定量组织学指标与阴茎发育情况、血浆睾酮水平高低有关 ,因此可以通过观测公鹅阴茎发育情况、血浆睾酮水平 ,来对种公鹅进行选择。     

Level of plasma testosterone in relation to age, gonad size and sexual libido in bulls

The level of plasma testosterone (PT) was determined by the direct RIA method with tritium-labelled testosterone. An average level of 2.25 +/- 1.46 nmol PT/l was found in 57 bullocks old 47 to 106 days. Until the age of 67 days, the level of PT was 1.11 +/- 0.69 nmol/l and from the 68th to the 110th day 2.74 +/- 1.32 nmol. In the period from the 7th to the 13th month of age, 108 bulls were found to have the PT level of 23.04 +/- 19.81 nmol/l, which was a statistically significant increase (P = 0.01) as compared with the prepubertal period. In 154 bulls old two years and older, the PT level was found to be 21.72 +/- 14.78 nmol/l. In comparison with bulls old 7 to 13 months, no statistically significant difference was recorded in PT levels. Neither was found any correlation between the gonad size and PT level and any relation between libido and PT level. In the bulls having no libido the PT level was insignificantly higher than in the bulls with pronounced libido sexualis. In all the studied groups of bulls, a comparatively high variation was found in PT values.