A.K. Mohammed, A.K.B. Sackey1, L.B. Tekdek1 and J.O. Gefu
National Animal Production Research Institute, 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Eleven adult dromedaries introduced into a sub-humid climate were bled monthly for 36 months to establish mean serum biochemical reference values for the zone. Mean sodium concentration was 144.57±1.31 mmol/l, potassium 5.03 ± 0.42 mmol/l and chloride 104.06±2.05 mmol/l. Others were bicarbonate 23.57±1.04 mmol/l, calcium 2.39±0.05 mmol/l and phosphate 1.07±0.04 mmol/l. The urea value was 4.92 ± 0.55 mmol/l and that of creatinine was 85.70±8.85, while glucose had 2.62 ± 0.18 mmol/l, total protein 64.94-±1.55 g/l and albumin 33.98 ± 0.98 g/l. The male camels had significantly (P<0.05) higher potassium and creatinine levels while urea, total protein and albumin values were higher (P<0.05) in the she-camels. Wet season samples had higher (P<0.05) blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and glucose values while potassium was insignificantly (P>0.05) higher in the dry season samples.
Key words: Camelus dromedarius, Nigeria, serum biochemistry, sub-humid climate
Home