Normal values and seasonal differences in the serum concentration of vitamin Aand beta-carotene in the Iranian camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A which is found in different tissues<br />and organs plays a particular role in detecting clinical signs in<br />various deficiency conditions. However, sometimes the marginal<br />deficiency is present in a way that clinical signs are not visible but<br />performance defects, such as infertility is seen. OBJECTIVES: In<br />this study, the normal baseline levels of vitamin Aand β-carotene in<br />clinically healthy camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Yazd<br />province were investigated. METHODS: A total of 168 Iranian<br />camels of both sexes were sampled from February 2009 to July<br />2010. Spectrophoto-metry was used for measuring the serum<br />values. RESULTS: The mean±SE concentration of vitamin Aand β-<br />carotene were 63.9±4.7 and 9±1.1 μg/dL, respectively. Although,<br />the β-carotene concentr-ation was significantly higher in summer,<br />vitamin Awas not influenced by season. No significant difference<br />in the serum levels of the measured parameters was observed in<br />different ages and sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study,<br />for the first time, indicate the concentration of vitamin A and β-<br />carotene in the camels in Iran. This finding can be used as a reference<br />guide for evaluation of the deficiency or excess of vitamin Aand β-<br />carotene in camels in Iran. Furthermore, due to the lower levels of<br />vitamin A and β-carotene in Iranian dromedaries during winter,<br />supplementary feeding of vitamin A is recommended during this<br />season.