Work

Post-Exercise Shifts in the Hemato–Biochemical Profile of Unacclimatized Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Exercise-unacclimatized dromedary camels regularly perform strenuous work in desert heat; however, their short-term hematologic and biochemical recovery is not well defined. In this prospective repeated-measures experiment, seven healthy bulls underwent a standardized 90 min outdoor exercise bout, with blood sampled before exercise and at 0, 3, 6, 24, and 48 h of recovery. The analytical panel included hematology, primary hemostasis, electrolytes, osmolality, protein fractions, metabolites, and serum enzymes. Red-cell indices remained stable, indicating minimal erythrocyte mobilization, while bleeding time shortened sharply at 0 h and normalized by 3 h. Sodium and osmolality followed a biphasic pattern with an early rise at 3 h, a nadir at 6 h, and partial rebound by 24 h, whereas potassium and phosphate stayed depressed from 6 to 48 h. Proteins and glucose showed transient changes, and muscle-associated enzymes, especially lactate dehydrogenase, peaked early before declining. These findings demonstrate that camels tolerate combined exercise and heat stress but require up to 48 h to re-establish biochemical balance. The recovery timeline provides a clinically relevant framework for sampling, welfare monitoring, and management of work-rest cycles in desert environments.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15213061

Authors: Mohammed A. Al-Badwi, Emad M. Samara, Khalid A. Abdoun, Ahmed A. Al-Haidary

Institution: King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Diversity and Health Studies

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896