A comparative study of follicular dynamics, hormonal profiles, ovarian measurements, and endometrial thickness between well-fed nulliparous and multiparous dromedary she-camels during the breeding season

Abstract

The current study sought to determine whether well-fed nulliparous she-camels (NP, n= 8) aged 2:3 years could have the same pattern of fertility status similar to multiparous she-camels (MP, n= 13; aged 8 to 13 years). Ovarian follicular dynamics and associated hormones, ovarian measures and endometrial thickness, and pregnancy rates were recorded during the period of 90 days (December–March). Every two days, the ovaries and uterus were scanned by ultrasound, and blood samples were taken. Results showed that the right ovaries were more active than the left ovaries. Ovarian length and width and endometrial thickness increased with follicles growth, and NP had longer ovaries (P<0.05) than MP she-camels and the opposite was found in the ovarian width, whereas endometrial thickness was less in NP than MP. MP had a higher mean number of emerged follicles (17.21±0.41 follicles) than NP (10.42±0.41 follicles). The mature phase duration was longer (P<0.05) in MP (11.89 days) than in NP (9.94 days). The duration of regression for DF and oversized follicles were 19.38 and 15.13 days in NP compared to 23.31 and 17.27 days in MP. Progesterone concentrations remained at the basal level throughout the follicular waves, while E₂ and FSH concentrations were associated with the follicular growth, and the peak levels were recorded in the mature phase (56.88 and 7.766 vs. 62.58 and 9.017 pg/mL and mIU/mL in NP and MP, respectively). In conclusion, well-fed NP demonstrated fertility status comparable to multiparous she-camel.