Impact of natural vegetation on some biochemical parameters of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Algeria

In Algeria the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) has always been an integral part of the socioeconomic landscape in the Southern part of Algeria, both desert and steppe. Despite the economic and social importance, little information is available on the blood biochemistry. In order to better understand the biology of the camel and the effects of breed, sex and age on the main biochemical blood parameters, our study was carried out on 22 camels (16 males and 6 females) fed a grass diet. Camels were divided into two age groups, young (1-4 years) and Adult (5 -8 years) and belonged to two breeds Sahraoui and Tergui. The results showed an average serum glucose value of 5 ± 2.11 mmol/L, average values for urea and creatinine were of 2.56±0.72 mmol/L and 130.9 µmol/L, respectively and values of lipids were represented by total cholesterol (1mmol/L), triglycerides (1 mmol/L), HDL (0.0 mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (0.06±0.09mmol/L). Blood biochemical parameters were influenced by age, sex and breed. HDL was higher (P<0.05) for the Sahraoui breed than Tergui breed (0.06±0.06 vs 0 ± 0.04 mmol/L). The LDL values were higher (P<0.05) in young camels (0.11 ±0.11vs 0.006± 0.06g mmol/L). These values are to be considered by the clinician for the early detection of metabolism and nutrition disorders in camels.