EFFECTS OF RUNNING EXERCISE ON SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF RACING CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDAIRUS) IN SUDAN

This study was carried out at the University of Kordofan, in North Kordofan State, Sudan. Twenty male of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) at similar age were used in this study. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of racing and running exercise on some blood constituents of the camels. Blood samples were collected before and after racing. The effects of racing on some blood hematological metabolites, some minerals profile, non-estrified fatty acids and blood urea were studied. The data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and T- test was used to evaluate the effects of racing on blood constituents of the camels and simple correlation coefficients between the parameters were applied. The results showed highly significant differences (P<0.05) in hemoglobin (HB) and packed cell volume, PCV, after racing and lower before racing. Similarly total protein and albumin concentrations increased after maximal exercise. On the other hand blood glucose values were higher (P< 0.001) before racing compared with its values after racing. The results also indicated that plasma Ca and P levels were highly significant (P<0.001) after racing. non-estrified fatty acids were highly significant (P<0.001) after racing compared with values before racing as well as blood urea concentration. High correlation coefficients (positive or negative) between blood constituents were found after racing. It was concluded that all blood constituents of camels were greatly influenced by racing. They increase after racing except glucose that decrease after racing. The results indicated lower levels of glucose reserve in blood content after running, indicated by a minimal increase in hemoglobin concentration and haematocrit. On the other hand there were marked increases in plasma lactate (to over 20 mmol/litre), plasma ammonia and plasma glucose and a pronounced decrease in circulating free fatty acids. There were small but significant increases in plasma calcium and phosphorous concentrations. It was recommended that through investigation and further studies be conducted for assessment the effects of maximal exercise on all camel blood constituents.