Normal values and seasonal differences in the serum concentration of vitamin Aand beta-carotene in the Iranian camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Authors

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Agriculture, Payam e Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 Graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

4 School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A which is found in different tissues
and organs plays a particular role in detecting clinical signs in
various deficiency conditions. However, sometimes the marginal
deficiency is present in a way that clinical signs are not visible but
performance defects, such as infertility is seen. OBJECTIVES: In
this study, the normal baseline levels of vitamin Aand β-carotene in
clinically healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Yazd
province were investigated. METHODS: A total of 168 Iranian
camels of both sexes were sampled from February 2009 to July
2010. Spectrophoto-metry was used for measuring the serum
values. RESULTS: The mean±SE concentration of vitamin Aand β-
carotene were 63.9±4.7 and 9±1.1 μg/dL, respectively. Although,
the β-carotene concentr-ation was significantly higher in summer,
vitamin Awas not influenced by season. No significant difference
in the serum levels of the measured parameters was observed in
different ages and sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study,
for the first time, indicate the concentration of vitamin A and β-
carotene in the camels in Iran. This finding can be used as a reference
guide for evaluation of the deficiency or excess of vitamin Aand β-
carotene in camels in Iran. Furthermore, due to the lower levels of
vitamin A and β-carotene in Iranian dromedaries during winter,
supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during this
season.

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