Thirteen female camels were used in this study to investigate the changes in some haematological parameters during the different stages of lactation including early lactation, mid-lactation and the last stage of lactation. A significant decrease (P<0.001) in mid and late lactation, compared to early lactation was recorded for the following parameters: number of white blood cells, number of lymphocytes, number of monocytes, number of granulocytes, per cent ratio of lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume. While, the levels of per cent ratio of monocytes, per cent ratio of granulocytes, red blood cells and haematocrit were low in early lactation then showed a significant raise in mid and late lactation (P<0.001). Moreover, The levels of mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were high during early lactation, then significantly decreased (P<0.001) in mid-lactation and then increased in late lactation. No significant difference was observed in mean corpuscular volume and haemoglobin concentration between early and mid-lactation. There was no significant difference in the number of platelets (p> 0.05). The current study gives baseline data about the value change of the main haematological parameters during lactation in female camels in the Algerian desert and these results could be used as a database for the diagnosis of different disorders and also for upcoming research in camels.
Key words: Camel, blood analysis, haematology, lactation, physiology
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