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Serum vitamin A and E, copper, zinc and selenium concentrations and their relationship with health outcomes in dromedary hospitalized camels (<i>Camelus dromedarius</i>)


Hany Hassan
Ahmed Zaghawa
Ahmed Kamr
Mahmoud Aly
Mohamed Nayel
Ahmed Elsify
Akram Salama
Ali Abdelazeim

Abstract

The goals of this study were to measure serum vitamin A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) and trace elements concentrations (copper, zinc and selenium) during diseases condition and to determine their association with hematological parameters and immune status of hospitalized camels. A total of 95 dromedary camels [healthy (n=65); hospitalized camels (n=30)] were included in this study. Vitamin A and E concentrations were significantly lower in hospitalized camels than apparently healthy ones (P<0.05). Hospitalized camels had lower concentrations of zinc and selenium compared to healthy camels (P<0.05). Vitamin E, copper, zinc and selenium concentrations were positively correlated with phagocytic activity in hospitalized camels (P<0.05). The likelihood of deficiency of vitamin A and E, zinc and selenium concentrations were significant in female hospitalized camels than males and in young age hospitalized camels < 6 years old compared to old ones (P<0.05). Decreased vitamin A and E and trace elements concentrations were associated with hospitalized camels’ phagocytic activity and index. The prevalence of low vitamin A and E, zinc and selenium concentrations were frequent in female hospitalized camels and hospitalized camels of age < 6 years old suggesting severe oxidative stress.

Keywords: Camel, Copper, Selenium, Vitamin, Zinc


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eISSN: 2218-6050
print ISSN: 2226-4485