Use of real-time ultrasonography for control of follicular activity and pregnancy diagnosis in the one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during the non-breeding season

Ovaries of 16 adult pleuriparous, non-pregnant and non-lactating one humped female camels (Camelus dromedarius) belonging to National Research Centre on Camel, at Bikaner, India, were examined for the presence of follicular activity (≤0.5 cm diameter) using real-time ultrasonography during June–August, which is considered to be non-breeding season in India. Follicles ≥1.0 cm diameter were found in eight females. These animals were mated with virile studs. In four out of eight camels pregnancy was confirmed by progesterone assay and ultrasonography. The study shows that pre-ovulatory follicle may develop in some female camels during June–August (non-breeding season in India) and successful pregnancies may be achieved after mating of individual animals during this period.