Tissues Macro-Minerals Changes of Growing Camels (Camelus dromedarius) by Regions, in Spring Season of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract The aim of our study was to evaluate the calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) status of slaughtered camel tissues in five regions in Saudi Arabia during the spring season. Selected tissues (whole blood, liver, meat, rumen tissue and rumen fluid samples) were collected from 33 growing camels (one year old) from local slaughterhouses in five regions. Ninety-three biological samples were collected and prepared for analysis for Ca, P and Mg by ICP-MS. A significant variation was reported for the Ca, P, Mg and inorganic content of the liver by region. In meat samples, camels from northern and central regions had significantly higher levels of Ca (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.001), Mg (P < 0.001), and inorganic matter content (P < 0.001) compared to others. A significant variation in Ca, P and Mg concentration was reported in rumen fluid, rumen tissue and whole blood for camels in the eastern region compared to the central region. A negative trend correlation between rumen fluid P and rumen tissue P (r = -0.899; P < 0.10). In summary, variation in the Ca, P, and Mg status of camels affected by regions can result from the differences in their concentration in soil, water, and forage, which are mainly related to environmental factors. Phosphorus is the only macro mineral that has shown a correlation between rumen fluid and rumen tissue. Further research is needed to examine mineral metabolism and the possibility of developing a supplementation program in some regions.