The effect of age, weight and gender of Iraqi camels on some hormone’s concentrations and morphological related to weight

Abstract

This study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, from 16/9/2023 to 27/11/2023, to investigate the effect of age and weight of Arabian camels on the concentrations of some hormones and body morphological related to weight in both genders. Fifty blood samples were collected from male and female Iraqi camels in the Safwan area, located in the southern province of Basrah. The samples were divided into three age and weight classes for males: First class 1-3 years old and 180-280 kg, second class 3.1-5 years old and 281-380 kg, third class 5.1-7 years old and 381-480 kg. For females, the calsses were: First class 1-4 years old and 120-300 kg, second class 4.1-8 years old and 301-480 kg, third class 8.1-12 years old and 481-660 kg. The results showed a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the concentrations of leptin and thyroxine hormones in male camels of the oldest class compared to the other two classes. There was a significant increase (P≤0.05) in body dimensions related to weight in male camels of the oldest age and weight class compared to the other age and weight classes. In females, a significant increase (P≤0.05) in leptin hormone concentration was observed in the oldest age and weight class compared to the other two classes. A significant increase (P≤0.05) in body dimensions related to weight was found in the oldest age and weight class compared to the younger age and weight classes for both genders. Overall means for both genders indicated that females excelled in weight-related body measures and leptin hormone, while males showed superiority in other measures, including ethroprotein hormone.