Serum Levels of Some Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Camel Calves During the First Year of Life

Abstract

Serum levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu were studied in 10 Camel calves of either sex at monthly interval from birth to 12 month of age. A highly significant age effect (P<0.005) was observed on all of the afore-mentioned parameters, with the exception of Mg, whereas sex effect was consistently non-significant. All of these parameters, except Fe, revealed relatively low serum levels at birth, which increased with age towards values similar to those cited for adult camels. These values were attained at 5–7 months for Na, K, Zn and Cu, whereas Ca attained its peak serum level at the age of 3 months, then dropped towards more stable values during subsequent months. On the other hand, Fe dropped significantly during the first month of age before increasing progressively for the following 9 months.

Key words:

• Camel calves
• trace elements
• electrolytes