Peripheral Levels of Glucose, IGF-1 and Leptin in Prepubertal Shami Dromedary Heifers


Abstract in English

Ten growing Shami female dromedaries, 27 weeks old were used to determine peripheral levels of glucose, IGF-1 and leptin in prepubertal Shami dromedary heifers. Body weight(BW) was measured and blood samples were collected weekly from the jugular vein for 6 months in EDTA-containing tubes. Serum was separated and stored at −20°C for later analysis. Glucose was determined using a colorimetric glucose oxidase kit. Serum concentrations of IGF-1 and leptin were assayed using some modifications of bovine radioimmunoassay procedures. Animals were grouped according to their birth date, body weight or average daily gain and variations in the plasma concentrations of parameters as well as to the effect of studied factors were tested and assessed by analysis of variance using the general linear model, repeated measurements procedures of SAS. It is reported for the first time information on peripheral levels of glucose, IGF-1 and leptin hormones in sexually immature dromedary heifers and results indicated that BW had a significant effect (p<0.05) on IGF-1 levels. Overall means for glucose, Igf-1 and leptin, were 188 ± 4.11 mg\dl, 222 ± 6.43 ng\ml, and13.27 ± 0.16 ng\ml, respectively and it was found that those concentrations were greater than values in sexually immature females in the other domestic animals. Such information might be helpful for specialists to search for the role of these hormones in the reproductive function and develop breeding programs to reduce the period of the onset of puberty and increase the reproductive performance of dromedary camels.

References used

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