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

Assessment of Trace Metals in Camelus dromedarius Meat from Mauritania

In Mauritania, the dromedary breeding is the most widespread pastoral activity, and it is considered as the first source of animal protein; however, the research on meat is relatively rare compared with fish, especially in relation with the presence of trace metals. In this work, livers, kidneys, and muscles of 25 Camelus dromedarius were collected from butcheries in Nouakchott (Mauritania) between February and April 2020 to study the concentration of trace metals (three essential metals: cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), and four toxic metals: mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)). Statistical treatment did not show significant differences associated with age (P = 0.7004), sex (P = 0.9353), or type of diet (0.9951) in the found concentration of the target substances, but the differences were significant between metals and between organs (P < 0.0001). The mean concentrations of the essential metals were 0.80 mg/100 g for Cu, 6.02 mg/100 g for Fe, and 3.28 mg/100 g for Zn, and the ratios between these concentrations were significant (P < 0.0001 in all cases), with [Fe] > [Zn] > [Cu]. Cu was most concentrated in the liver, Fe in the kidney, and Zn in muscle. The mean concentrations of toxic metals were 0.055 mg/kg for As, 0.064 mg/kg for Cd, 0.040 mg/kg for Pb, and 0.027 mg/kg for Hg. They also exhibited significant difference between organs. Hg and Pb showed their largest concentrations in the liver, whereas As and Cd reached their maximum values in the kidney. Therefore, the found concentrations in all cases were lower than the admissible level of trace metals.

Blood Trace Element Status in Camels: A Review

Trace minerals play an important role in animal health and productivity. They are involved also in many physiological activities, and their deficiency causes a variety of pathological problems and metabolic defects, reducing consequently the animal productivity. The demand for animal products in semi-arid areas is rapidly increasing, and the supply is still below the required level, partially due to low animal productivity. Camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus) are considered one of the main sources of healthy, high-quality meat and milk for human consumption within most of the countries in the semi-arid regions. Despite their efficient adaptation to their environment, camels can suffer from the growth retardation of newborns, low feed efficiency, anemia, poor fertility, poor reproduction and many other metabolic disorders. It is well known that trace mineral deficiencies and trace mineral toxicities can influence camels' production and reproductive efficiency, as well as many aspects of their growth and metabolism. Evaluating the trace minerals status of camels and their variability is an obvious step toward improving camels' productivity and health. Thus, the present article reviews the data regarding the status of trace minerals (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, molybdenum, sulfur, bromide and nickel) in camel blood and their physiological variability, with a focus on their deficiency and toxicity effects.

Effect of Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E Administration on Semen Quality and Fertility of Male Dromedary Camels with Impotentia Generandi

This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and vitamin E (Vit E) administration on semen quality and fertility in male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi (IG, post-coital infertility). Factors that may affect response to treatment were investigated. Thirty-three IG-affected and five fertile camels were included. Case history was obtained, and breeding sound examination was performed. Semen was collected using electroejaculation. IG-camels were classified according to initial sperm count, body condition score, age, duration of infertility, IG-type, and testicular size. IG-camels were treated with a combination of intramuscular injections of Vit E (α-tocopherol acetate, 1 mg/kg bw) and Se (sodium selenite, 0.088 mg/kg bw) once every week for three successive weeks and by daily oral administration of 360 mg of zinc gluconate for 5 successive weeks. Semen quality was estimated before and after treatment. IG-treated camels were allowed to mate females in estrus, and conception rates were calculated. The results showed that sperm cell concentration, sperm motility, and viability significantly increased, while sperm abnormality significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.01). Positive correlations were observed between initial sperm cell count and post-treated sperm count (P = 0.001), sperm motility (P = 0.01), and viability (P = 0.002). Other variables and their interactions did not affect response to treatment. Conception rates improved after treatment. In conclusion, Zn, Se, and Vit E administration improved semen quality and fertility in male dromedary camels with impotentia generandi. Initial sperm count can be used to predict the degree of camel response to treatment.

Considerations for the development of a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) semen collection centre

The dromedary camel (DC) is a strategic animal for the exploitation of the desert and unhospitable lands (arid and semiarid areas). These animals are a genetic resource, locally adapted and more resilient to these environs, that may significantly contribute to food security and sustainable development of marginal land areas. Artificial insemination is the least invasive, least expensive technique for improving genetic selection and minimising transmission of venereal disease among animals and herds. Besides semen preservation protocols, specific approaches for the development of DC semen collection centres - biosecurity measures, screening for infectious diseases, management of animals, welfare, nutrition, control of seasonality, training, hygiene of semen collection and processing - have been considered less important aspects. The aim of this research is to describe the aspects related to the development of a DC semen collection centre, summarising the latest studies in the field of welfare, reproduction and diseases, and describing biosecurity and hygiene aspects related to semen collection and handling. Scientific gaps and requirements for maximising the production of good quality and safe-to-use semen doses with minimal risks of disease transmission are also described.