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Serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern during lactation period in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

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Abstract

Lactation is a physiological state that has been shown to modify protein metabolism in camels. Few data are available concerning the changes in protein fractions in lactating camels. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lactation on serum protein fractions in camels. Thirty (30) apparently healthy lactating Arabian camels (age 8–12 years, body weight 600–700 kg, parity 2–3). The animals were divided to three equal groups (10 each), as early lactation (< 90 days after parturition), mid-lactation (91–180 days), and late lactation (≥ 181 days). Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture, and serum harvested was used to determine total protein concentration ([TP]) and serum protein fractions using capillary electrophoresis technique. ANOVA (Levine’s and post hoc tests) were used to assess the difference between the groups. Lactating camels showed electrophoretic pattern composed of albumin, α1, α2, β1, β2, and γ-globulins. Serum-[TP] decreased (P ≤ 0.05) during early and mid-lactation to 67.10 and 65.15 g/l, respectively, compared to late lactation (72.31 g/l). The relative (%) and the absolute (g/l) concentrations of albumin, α1, and α2 fractions and A/G ratio showed no significant differences, while β1 and β2 decreased (P < 0.05) during early lactation (6.62%, 4.40 g/l) and mid-lactation (4.58%, 2.92 g/l) compared to mid (10% and 6.42 g/l) and late lactation (9.90%7.20 g/l), respectively. The γ-globulins increased (P < 0.01) during early lactation (21.08% and 14 g/l) compared to mid-lactation (12.40% and 8.12 g/l); however, it decreased (P < 0.05) during mid-lactation compared to late lactation (18.38% and 13.33 g/l). Capillary electrophoresis had been successfully used to assess and interpret the serum protein patterns during early, mid, and late lactations in camels. The results provided baseline data for dairy camel, which could be useful for researchers, veterinary practitioners, and those who work in the field of animal nutrition.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the technician staff at Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum for laboratory assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, 13314, Shambat, Sudan

    Abeer Ahmed Ali Adam & Nawal Mohamed Elkhair

  2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Collage of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, ALahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia

    Nawal Mohamed Elkhair

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  1. Abeer Ahmed Ali Adam
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Contributions

Conceived and designed the experiment: Nawal M Elkhair, Abeer A Adam. Provide supervision for animal health assessment during experiment: Abeer A Adam. Performed the experiment: Abeer A Adam. Analyzed the data: Nawal M Elkhair, Abeer A Adam. Data interpretation and scientific discussion: Nawal M Elkhair, Abeer A Adam. Contributed reagents/materials: Nawal M Elkhair, Abeer A Adam. Writing the manuscript: Nawal M Elkhair, Abeer A Adam. All authors reviewed information, wrote, and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Nawal Mohamed Elkhair.

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The study was funded by Mrs. Abeer Ali Ahmed Adam.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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The study was approved by Animal Ethics Committee of Sudan Veterinary Council (EA/0024/2018). All experimental procedures, including animal care, were conducted in accordance with the standards established by Animal Ethics Committee of Sudan Veterinary Council, Sudan. The sampling from experimental animals was strictly conducted under veterinary supervision.

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Adam, A.A.A., Elkhair, N.M. Serum protein capillary electrophoretic pattern during lactation period in camels (Camelus dromedarius). Comp Clin Pathol 32, 599–605 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-023-03468-z

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