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

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.