Comparison of reproductive hormone levels in male and female camels (Camelus dromedarius) during rutting and non-rutting seasons and their relation with some minerals and antioxidant status

This study designed to establish a reference data and compare the reproductive hormone profiles of both sexes of dromedary camels in rutting and non-rutting seasons in Samawa Province, Iraq. Therefore twenty four adult healthy camels (12 males and 12 females) were used to determine reproductive hormone levels (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone). Some electrolyte and minerals (Ca, K, Na, Cu, and Zn) were also measured to ensure their effects on sexual hormones. The antioxidant and stress status take in consideration by measured cortisol and glutathione peroxidase concentrations. The results revealed there were a significant difference in reproductive hormones between males (LH, progesterone and testosterone) and females (estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone and testosterone) during rutting and non- rutting seasons, although no significant difference was found about electrolytes and minerals on both sexes. The antioxidant and stress status of both sexes also appeared non-significant effect for glutathione peroxidase and cortisol when compared to both sexes of camels. These results exhibited difference in reproductive hormones of male and female camels during the rutting and non-rutting seasons.