Ovulation induction & Insemination with fresh Semen in the One - Humped camel (Camelus dromedaries) in non – breeding season

Abstract

This study was conducted from 2011 to 2014, the field experiments done during the non-breeding season at the Camel Reproduction Centre (CRC), Nakhlee, which located 48 km East the center of Dubai, UAE. While the lab hormonal assay done at the College of Medical Laboratories – SUST, Sudan. The aims of the present study were to compare efficiency of two protocols of hormonal treatments (GnRH & hCG) in induction of ovulation, and two mating systems in occurring pregnancy during non breeding season of She - camel. A total of (19) one humped camels were used in experiment (1) and divided into three groups: Group (A) Camels (N=7) were intramuscular injected by 2 ml GnRH, group (B) camels (N=6) were intravenous injected by 3 ml hCG, and group (C) were left without any hormonal treatment, (N=6) were intramuscular injected 1 ml of distilled water. In all groups ovulation was observed by ultrasonography. The proportion of she camels that ovulated during 24-48 hours in response to treatments were (6 / 7 vs 4 /6 vs 0 / 6) in the GnRH, hCG and the control groups, respectively. The results showed significant differences in the means + SD (P ≤ 0.01) between the treated groups compared to the control group. But there were no significant differences between the GnRH and hCG groups (P ≤ 0.05). Blood samples for serum preparations were collected in non-heparinized tubes from the jugular vein in interval days, (Immediately after injection (0 hours), 48 hours, Week 1, and Week 2). Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH concentrations were determined using ELISA technique. Results showed serum estrogen concentration (pg / ml) did not differ significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the all groups in 48 hours and Week 2. In contrast with 0 hours and Week 1 which were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) between the treated groups (GnRH and hCG groups) compared with control group. While there was no significant difference between the treated groups throughout the alternate periods. Serum progesterone concentrations (ng / dl) did not differ significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the all groups in 0 hours and Week 2. While the serum progesterone concentration significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in the GnRH group compared to the hCG and the control group respectively in 48 hours. Week 1 showed that the serum progesterone concentration significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in the hCG group compared to the GnRH and control groups respectively. Serum FSH concentration (miu/ml) showed low levels, while LH concentration showed zero levels. In the second experiment a total (13) one humped camels were used, divided into two groups, the first group inseminated artificially (A.I) with fresh semen, while the second one allowed to mating naturally (N.M). The results of this experiment showed that there were no significant differences between the Artificial insemination (A.I) and the Natural Mating (N.M) groups (P ≤ 0.05) in the onset or occurrence of pregnancy. From the present study it could be concluded that, ovulation can be induced in non-breeding season by using GnRH and hCG protocols, to increase the successes rates of ovulation the follicle size diameter should be between 1.0 to 1.7 cm. There no significant differences between GnRH and hCG in inducing the ovulation. Also there no significant differences between the artificial insemination and the natural mating in initiating pregnancy during non-breeding season. So it could be recommended that, the area of FSH, and LH levels needs further investigations. On the other hand, while there were no significant differences between GnRH and hCG, it is recommend to use the cheapest one, and finally A.I technique is greatly recommended.