Novel research: acid-base homeostasis in camel calves (Camelus dromedarius) during the postnatal development.

aimThe study aimed to evaluate acid-base homeostasis in healthy dromedary camel calves aged 1 − 3 months and assess possible associations with age.

introductionResearch on the correlation between blood and urine acid-base parameters in camel calves up to 3 months is a critical and essential study area. It provides crucial insights into the physiological processes that regulate acid-base homeostasis in this unique species, particularly during the early stages of life. This research is vital for understanding how camels adapt to harsh environments, where water and food resources can be limited, leading to potential acid-base imbalances.

methodsThis study assessed acid-base homeostasis during the postnatal development of ten camel calves; this period was categorized into three stages: early (1st month), mid (2nd month), and late (3rd month). Various methods were employed to measure rectal temperature (Tr: °C), respiratory rate (RR: breaths/min), and heart rate (HR: beats/min), and to collect blood and urine samples monthly. A pH meter and an automated biochemical analyzer were utilized to determine pH, Na+, K+, and Cl− concentrations. Validated equations were used to calculate the strong ion difference (SID3), the total concentration of non-volatile acids (Atot), Atot-protein, Atot-albumin, and urinary fraction excretion of electrolytes (FE). ANOVA and Pearson correlation were used to evaluate significant differences between the groups at a P-value of ≤ 0.05.

resultsThe overall mean values of Tr, RR, HR, blood pH, SID3, Atot, Atot-protein, and Atot-albumin were 38 ± 0.5 °C, 10 ± 2.0 breaths/min, 62 ± 10.3 beats/min, 7.42 ± 0.12, 43.2 ± 2.0, 12.3 ± 1.2, 18.8 ± 1.0 and 22.3 ± 1.2 mmol/l, respectively. Urine pH, SID3, FE of Na+, K+ and Cl− showed mean values of 7.89 ± 0.51, -140.2 ± 120 mmol/l, 0.07 ± 0.04, 12 ± 1.4 and 1.5 ± 0.4, respectively. The RR, serum Na+, Cl−, albumin, Atot, and Atot-albumin showed a gradual significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease with age, while FEK⁺ and FECl− increased (P < 0.05). Age had no significant impact on the other parameters. During the 1st month, blood pH negatively correlated to urine SID3 (P < 0.05), while urine pH negatively correlated to FENa+ and FECl⁻, which were positively correlated to each other (P < 0.01). In the 2nd month, blood pH positively correlated to urine SID3 and negatively to FECl⁻ (P < 0.05). Serum SID3 negatively correlated with FENa+, while urine SID3 positively correlated to FEK+ (P < 0.05) and negatively to FECl⁻ (P < 0.01). In the 3rd month, positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between serum SID3 and urine SID3 (P < 0.05), and FENa+ and FEK+(P < 0.01).

conclusionAcid-base homeostasis in dromedary camel calves undergoes significant changes during postnatal development, with higher values in the early stages, indicating an age-dependent relationship up to three months. These novel results provide a deeper understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which camels maintain acid-base balance during the early stages of life, substantially improving veterinary care for these unique animals and offering hope for enhanced health and well-being.