Is low efficiency under AI in camel due to ovulation problems?

Abstract

The study was conducted on 10 breedable female camels of 6 to 10 years of age bearing mature sized follicles in their ovaries as revealed by sonographic examinations (Pie-scanner-200 using transvaginal transducer of 7.5 MHz capacity). Exogenous hormone (Profassi, 5000 i. u., Serono, Italy) was administered to induce ovulation followed by artificial insemination. The objectives of the study were to evaluate efficiency of hCG to induce ovulation and to impregnate female camels with artificial insemination (AI). Peripheral plasma progesterone analysis either daily or on alternate days from day 0 to 30 was used to assess ovulation and pregnancy status. Behavioural and clinical examinations were also regularly performed for pregnancy. Blood samples for analysis of peripheral plasma progesterone were regularly harvested and quantified by RIA kits. Counting of radioactive disintegration was accomplished in automated gamma- counter PC-RIA MAS 06. None of the 10 inseminated female camels conceived with 0.5 to 1.0 ml of freshly collected camel semen deposited into the uterus. Nine out of 10 female camels exhibited a significant rise in P 4 (> 1ng/ml) at varying stages after hCG administration barring one. The first rise in P 4 concentration above 1ng/ml after hCG administration was recorded on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 in 1, 3, 2, 1, 1 and 1 of the 9 responding females, respectively. P 4 concentration above 1ng/ml persisted for 2-3 days in 5/9 females and 5-7 days in 4/9 females. The magnitude of rise in P 4 concentration was greater in later as compared to former group. The P4 profiles of later group of animals indicated that these animals have definitely ovulated and developed a normal corpus luteum, while P 4 profiles of another 5 females are difficult to interpret in terms of ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Either these animals have undergone follicular leutinisation without ovulation or else ovulated and developed a weak corpus luteum with short life span. It is concluded that 40% of hCG treated and inseminated female camels have definitely ovulated and developed a normal corpus luteum. More work is required to assess the failure of conception in these females, which apparently may be due to low dose of inseminated semen. It is difficult to interpret the induction of ovulation in another 5 females because of relatively low magnitude and duration of progesterone rise.