Normal values and seasonal differences in the serum concentration of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the Iranian camel [Camelus dromedarius]

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. In this study, the normal baseline levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene in clinically healthy camels [Camelus dromedarius] in the Yazd province were investigated. 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. The mean +/- SE concentration of vitamin A and beta- carotene were 63.9 +/- 4.7 and 9 +/- 1.1 micro g/dL, respectively. Although, the beta-carotene concentration was significantly higher in summer, vitamin A was not influenced by season. No significant difference in the serum levels of the measured parameters was observed in different ages and sexes. The results of this study, for the first time, indicate the concentration of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the camels in Iran. This finding can be used as a reference guide for evaluation of the deficiency or excess of vitamin A and beta-carotene in camels in Iran. Furthermore, due to the lower levels of vitamin A and beta-carotene in Iranian dromedaries during winter, supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during this season

Survey on Frequency and Kinds of Foreign Bodies of Rumen and Reticulum and Reticular Adhesion in Buffaloes Slaughtered in Ahvaz Abattoir

Perforation of the wall of the reticulum by a sharp foreign body often produces peritonitis and can cause involvement of other organs. In cattle the disease is economically important because of severe loss of production and high mortality rate. The objective of this study was to determine the presence and kinds of foreign bodies in apparently healthy buffaloes which were slaughtered in Ahvaz abattoir. In addition, adhesion of reticulum was studied. The animals [n = 200] were selected from both sexes and divided into three age groups[group 1: less than 2.5 years old, group 2: 2.5-5.5 years old and group 3: more than 5.5 years old]. Adhesion of reticulum was seen in 43 buffaloes and there were significant difference between sexes and different age groups [p < 0.05]. In 73 buffaloes, foreign bodies were found. Furthermore, 14 pieces of metallic foreign bodies penetrated the wall of reticulum in 13 buffaloes. According to the presence of foreign bodies, there were no significant difference between sexes and among different age groups [p > 0.05]. A relation between adhesion and presence of metallic foreign bodies was seen