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Pregnancy status and thyroid function in semi-intensive-kept Marecha she-camels (Camelus dromedarius): managerial implications

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Abstract

Pakistani Marecha dromedaries, a distinctive breed not covered in the empirical data of the literature reviewed existing for thyroidal physiology in camels, are subjected to investigate thyroid function in pregnant multiparous (n = 22) and non-pregnant nor lactating (n = 22) females. The function of the thyroid gland in pubescent she-camels has evoked discrepancies among researchers exploring this topic in different breeds evolving in divergent environments. Despite season, age, sex, reproductive status, health disorders, and stress are reported as potential modulating factors, these research studies failed to find statistically significant results supporting their hypothesis. For the current research, serum samples were obtained twice a week during one month from semi-intensive-kept Marecha she-camels and analyzed for triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. Feed ingredients and additives were quality assessed to examine their nutrient profile, with special attention to protein content and exogenous calcium administration. Statistical differences in serum thyroid hormone levels were found between gravid and non-gravid females, being pregnant she-camels the subgroup with higher levels (P < 0.05). The genetic background of such phenotypic variability in thyroid metabolism in camels has to be further addressed to adapt husbandry practices for breed-specific requirements. Meanwhile, local management strategies are susceptible of accurate routines for sustainable farming.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank CBRS “Rakh Mahni” for their cooperation and technical support.

Availability of data and material

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Funding

The present research has been possible with the financial support from the Higher Education Commission of Islamabad, Pakistan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan

    Asim Faraz & Abdul Waheed

  2. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Department of Genetics, Cordoba, Spain

    Carlos Iglesias Pastrana

  3. Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy

    Annamaria Passantino

  4. Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Department of Therapeutic Nutrition, University of Misurata, Misurata, Libya

    Ayman Balla Mustafa

  5. Department of Animal Science, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

    Nasir Ali Tauqir

  6. Department of Livestock and Dairy Development, Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh Mahni, Bhakkar, Pakistan

    Muhammad Shahid Nabeel

Authors
  1. Asim Faraz
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  4. Ayman Balla Mustafa
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  5. Abdul Waheed
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Contributions

All authors contributed equally to the research objectives’ fulfillment and data presentation. Asim Faraz designed the protocols and conducted field research; Abdul Waheed supervised the field works and laboratory analysis; Muhammad Shahid Nabeel gave technical and practical support when conducting field research; Ayman Balla Mustafa and Nasir Ali Tauqir helped with laboratory analysis; Annamaria Passantino helped in writing the whole article; and Carlos Iglesias Pastrana was in charge of statistical data analysis, writing the whole article, and thorough proofreading of the paper before submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlos Iglesias Pastrana.

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The procedures followed were in compliance with the ethical standards of the Animal Welfare Committee from the University of Bahauddin Zakariya.

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This article belongs to the Topical Collection: Camelids

Guest Editor: Bernard Faye

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Faraz, A., Iglesias Pastrana, C., Passantino, A. et al. Pregnancy status and thyroid function in semi-intensive-kept Marecha she-camels (Camelus dromedarius): managerial implications. Trop Anim Health Prod 52, 3387–3393 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02371-x

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