Correlations between Serum Trace Elements (Selenium, Copper and Zinc) and Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin A, E and C) in Clinically Healthy Dromedary Camels

The present study was carried out in November 2010 on 30 male clinically healthy dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from several farms in Yazd province, the central part of Iran. Camels were examined prior to sampling and proved to be clinically healthy. Animals were assigned into 5 equal (n=6) groups, including under 1, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and above 10 years old. Blood samples were taken and sera were analyzed to determine the concentrations of selenium, copper, zinc and vitamin A, E and C. Selenium was significantly correlated with zinc in 4-6 years old group (r=0.855; P=0.03). A significant negative correlation between copper and vitamin A in 7-9 years old dromedary camel was seen (r=-0.911; P=0.01). Vitamin C was negatively correlated (r=-0.802; P=0.04) with zinc in under 1 year old dromedary calves. Vitamin A positively correlated with vitamin C in 1-3 years old (r=0.802, P=0.04) and above 10 years old (r=0.883; P=0.02) groups. It was concluded that correlations, either positive or negative, exist between certain trace elements and measured vitamins with respect to the specific age groups which shows that these finding should be considered in providing optimal and proper feeding in camel.