الفهرس 
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Abstract
The materials of the present work were collected from Egypt. The practical
investigations were carried out in the Gynaec., Obestet. and A.I. Department, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany, The research
aimed to throw more light on the reproductive function of the male dromedary camel.
This might help in the improvement of the breeding programmes which is urgently
needed for this neglected species. Four main parameters were investigated: a) The sexual
behaviour of the male dromedary camel. b) The morphology of the camel testes. c) The
Histology of the camel testes. d) The hormonal profiles in the camel blood from the birth
through puberty. The animals were classified into five age groups:
Group I: Prenatal group (only for hormonal studies). Group II: One day to 1.5 years.
Group 111:2 to 3 years. Group IV: 3.5 to 10years. Group V : 10.5to 20years.
It was found that:
The camel was a seasonally breeder animal. The rutting season was observed in
Winter and Spring.
The rutting in the camel was associated usually with a special behaviour which
comprised of six - characteristic signs :
a) Extrusion of the palatal flap (dulaa).oo I or dribbles frothy saliva from the mouth.
b) Vigorous eye - ball movement whilIfagave a whitish appearance to the eye.
c) Profuse neck gland secretion, the •. and hair around them were usually stained with
dark brown colour.
d) Contracted abdominal and pelvic _Ies, at this time the ribs of the animal could be
easily seen.
e) Direction of the tail towards the JeIIis between the two thighs. The animal usually
moved the tail against the penis will &equent urination. At this period the bllck and
thighs of the anima\ usually seen _ due to the continuos spJasbingof urine and soft
faeces on the back by the aid of the • n Splayed hind legs.
The testes of the camel were toe • d in the perineal region generally covered by the
tail in a non-pendulous scrottun.”fhe testes usually seen in the breeding season
protruded within the scrotum, they ~ ovoid lying obliquelyon a vertical plane. The tunica a1bugenia, the septula testis and the mediastinum testis showed different
stages of development in relation to age. The vascularity as well as the consistency of the
camel testes showed a marked difference between ages and seasons.
The different testicular parameters showed a highly significant increase in relation to
age (p < 0.01). They also showed a significant increase in relation to season (P < 0.05).
The lowest levels of testosterone were recorded in age group II (6 months to 1.5
years) as 0.057 ± 0.022 ng/mI. The highest levels were recorded in age group V (10.5
years: 20 years) as 1.258 ± 0.310 ng/ml, The variation in testosterone levels showed a
highly significant increase in winter (P< 0.01) comparable with autumn and summer.
While these variations were significant (P< 0.05) between winter and spring. These levels
showed a non significant variation between autumn and spring (P > 0.05).
The lowest levels of androstenedione were observed in group III (2 to 3 years) as
1.247 ± 0.040 ng/mI. The highest levels were observed in age group IV (3.5 to 10
years) as 4.267 ± 2.445 ng/mI. Androstenedione levels showed seasonal significant
variations (P < 0.05) between winter and autumn/summer. A non-significant variation
was observed between winter artd spring (P > 0.05).
The ratios between androstenedione and testosterone were significantly different.
They reached their maximum values in age group II (6-rnonths to 1.5 years). Then they
began to decrease at age group III (2 to 3 years) reaching their lowest values in age
group V (10.5 to 20 years). Regarding season, the first significant increase in these ratios
was observed in winter (P< 0.05). The second highly significant increase (P < 0.01) was
recorded in spring. The ratios decreased significantly in summer (P < 0.05).
The mean levels of LH in the whole materials was 0.447 ± 0.022 ng/mI. LH levels
were ranged from 0.190 ± 0.046 ngImI in the prenatal period to 0.510 ± 0.035 ng/mI
postnatal. The peak ofLH was obsetwed in age group IV (4 to 10 years). The levels
showed a non - significant decrease • the old animals. The highest levels of LH were
recorded in spring while the lowest recorded in winter. Non significant variations
were recorded between the different.