VETERINARY MEDICINE

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Browsing VETERINARY MEDICINE by Author "ADAH, Adakole Sylvanus"

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    EFFECTS OF PACKING ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND BIOMARKERS OF OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE ONE-HUMPED CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius) DURING THE HARMATTAN SEASON
    (2012-03) ADAH, Adakole Sylvanus
    Experiments were performed in order to determine the effects of packing on physiological changes and some biomarkers of oxidative stress in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during the harmattan season in the Sahel Savannah zone of Nigeria. Experimental camels (n = 8) were packed with grains of 200 kg, while control camels (n = 4) only trekked but were not packed. Ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) of the experimental site were recorded three days prior to the experiment and on the experimental day at 06.00 h, 12.00 h and 15.00 h. Physiological parameters of rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were taken before and after packing or trekking the camels. Haematological parameters and some biochemical parameters were also determined in all the camels. The AT and RH values ranged between 22.00-36.50 ºC and 26.00-36.00 %, respectively, and the values were outside the thermonuetral zone in the camel. The AT values which increased with the hour of the day were significantly (P < 0.05) and positively correlated (r = 0.932, 0.338 and 0.348) respectively with RT, HR and RR in both experimental and control camels. The overall mean RT recorded in experimental camels prior to packing (38.06 ± 0.20 ºC) was not significantly different from the value recorded after packing (38.23 ± 0.20 ºC). The overall mean value of RR after packing (19.09 ± 1.20 breaths/min) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than overall mean RR prior to packing (16.75 ± 0.70 breaths/min). The overall mean HR after packing (51.46 ± 0.80 beats/min) was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained before packing (50.13 ± 0.40 beats/min). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in erythrocytes counts, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and leucocyte counts in both experimental and control camels after packing or trekking. The plasma total protein value was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in experimental camels after the packing. Following packing, the neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratios of both experimental and control camels were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of creatine were not significantly different (P > 0.05) following packing in both control and experimental camels. The activity of catalase, however, increased significantly in both experimental and control camels after packing and trekking. After packing, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in erythrocytes osmotic fragility of experimental camels and the values obtained were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of control camels. It is concluded that packing and trekking elevated the levels of some of the biomarkers of oxidative stress and some physiological parameters studied (HR, TP, catalase and EOF), indicating that packing and trekking were stressful to camels. It is recommended that the administration of antioxidants may be beneficial in ameliorating the adverse effects of stress due to packing or trekking in camels during the harmattan season.