Veterinaria

Research article

Seasonal variations in the sex-steroid hormones and behavior of one humped male camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Punjab, Pakistan

Riaz Hussain Pasha a, Anas Sarwar Qureshi b, Shahnaz Adeeb Khanum c

a Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46300) Pakistan

b Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (38040) Pakistan

c National Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Dromedary camel is a seasonal breeder showing aggressive behaviour during winter. Present study was intended to study the season-wise serum steroid hormone pattern and characterized the sexual behaviour of camel in Punjab, Pakistan during 2010-11. The blood samples were collected at regular monthly intervals and behavioural observations were made for at least two hours interval for a week during beginning, mid and end of each season. Serum samples were analyzed for the steroid hormones by Radioimmunoassay (RIA) using commercially available kits. Steroid hormones were recorded as significantly higher (P<0.01) during the cooler months (rutting season of camel) at all the experimental areas which affect the male behaviour. Regional variations were recorded in the hormonal profile and behaviour. Serum testosterone started decreasing during spring and reached baseline during summer, maintained almost same during autumn at Faisalabad zone however increased again in autumn at Attock and Bhakkar zones. Serum estradiol 17-β started declining in spring and summer; little increased level was observed in the month of June but again sloped down in July and remained on baseline till end of autumn. Study revealed that seasonal changes have direct correlation with the serum steroid hormones which alter the sexual behaviour of camels.

Keywords: Camel, Testosterone, Estrogen, Serum, Sexual behaviour, Punjab

Received: October 10, 2015 Revised: November 15, 2015 Accepted: November 24, 2015

*Corresponding author: Dr. Riaz Hussain Pasha Email: riazpasha@uaar.edu.pk