Effect of reproductive disorders on productivity and reproductive efficiency of dromedary she-camels in relation to cytokine concentration.

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of reproductive disorders on reproductive efficiency and milk production in relation with pro-inflammatory cytokines in dromedary she-camels. Total of 20 late pregnant Maghrabi she-camels, aging 6-9 years, weighing 420-550 kg, and between the second and third parities were divided into two groups. Animals in the first group (n = 12) showed normal reproductive status (G1) at parturition, while those in the second one (n = 8) were suffered from reproductive disorders after parturition (G2). Results showed that during pre-partum, red blood cells (RBCs) count decreased (P ≤ 0.05), while white blood cells (WBCs), packed cell volume (PCV) value, and neutrophils percentage increased (P ≤ 0.05) in G2 than in G1. Percentages of monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils as well as hemoglobin concentration did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in G1 and G2. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed in addition to increase (P ≤ 0.05) in eosinophil and decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in basophils percentages. During prepartum period, concentration of total proteins, albumin (AL) and IGF-1decreased (P ≤ 0.05), cholesterol concentration, and activity of AST and ALT were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G2 than in G1. Globulin (GL), AL: GL ratio, glucose, urea-N, creatinine, and triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly in G1 and G2. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed with decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in GL and glucose concentrations in G2 as compared to G1. Concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ, was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G2 than in G1 at different peri-parturient times. Milk yield, days in milk, protein and lactose percentages, and IgG concentration were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G1 than in G2. Fat, total solids, solid non-fat, and ash percentages did not show any significant differences between both groups. Reproductive traits, including length of estrous cycle, duration of estrous period, number of services/conception, gestation period, days open, and conception rate, were higher (P < 0.05) in G1 than in G2. From the present study can be concluded that pro-inflammatory cytokines may be a necessary test for the early diagnosis to prevent related disease in dromedary camels suffering from reproductive disorders. This study indicated strong relationship between hematological parameters and concentration of blood biochemicals and cytokines with reproductive efficiency in camels, which may be helpful in elucidating the adverse effects associated with reproductive disorders.