‫بسم هللا الرحمن الرحيم‬
King Faisal University
Camel Research Centre
Chair Professor
In
Camel Research
For
Application of Modern Technology
to Improve Camel Reproductive
Efficiency
1
Introduction
The Arabian camels form a national wealth which the kingdom
seeks to preserve and develop due to the special appreciation the camel
has in the hearts of the citizens of this country, and to the cultural and
historical influence of the camel to the civilization of the people as they
have been supporting the life of successive generation against the cruel
climatic condition since they possess great adaptability to cope with these
conditions, as well as surviving famine, thirst and drought.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian
Peninsula with 2.25 million square kilometers of which more than 80% of
the area is classified as rangelands. The Minister of Agriculture declared
that there are about 830000 heads of camels in Saudi Arabia according to
the latest Agricultural information (2004). From the physiological point
of view, the camel can be the only animal that well digest and utilize the
fibrous, dry, low nutritive value and remaining flora, and produce meat
and milk characterized by their compatibility with the requirement of
people living in this area.
The camel has until now received less attention than other
domestic species. Individuals so far have carried much of the work out,
with little institutional support. There has therefore little impact on
development efforts.
2
Intelligent management of any species must be developed upon a
base of both interest and knowledge, preferably on the parts of both
administrator and general public.
The Camel Research Centre (CRC) at King Faisal University
(KFU) is considered a unique centre in the Kingdom and in the Gulf
Region. It was founded in 1982 to serve the purposes of development and
welfare of the dromedary camel, since the camel is considered as a
national strategic wealth.
The centre seek to ensure the importance of paying considerable
concern to camels and their progress as a form of national wealth and part
of the national, as well as representing a basic pillar in the chain of food
security, health, industry and development in the Kingdom.
Over the next decade, the camel industry will have to compete in a
rapidly
changing
world
environment
arising
from
increased
competitiveness, and increased consumer demands for higher quality,
healthier and safer food. To become competitive in this environment the
scale and efficiency of production will have to increase significantly.
New approaches and technologies will be needed to achieve this.
Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer will be central to achieve
any development for this wealth.
Therefore, the CRC is designing this project, to improve camel
reproductive efficiency through the application of AI and embryo
transfer, with particular reference to establishment of semen and embryos
banks from superior camels.
3
Improvement of reproductive efficiency of
dromedary camels
The reproductive rate in camels has always been described as low.
Novoa (1970) claimed that the fertility rate in camels is extremely low
(50%) when compared to other domestic mammals. Some authors (Arthur
et al., 1985; Abdel-Rahim and Nazier, 1990; Al-Eknah, 2000) attribute
this low rate of reproduction in the camel to the physiological characters
of this species, which include late age of maturity in females and males
(4-6 years), seasonality of breeding (cool months), long gestation period
(about 13 months) and delayed age at weaning (one year). The
application of AI and embryo transfer will definitely improve the camel
performance through the development and conservation of the superior
camel lines.
Different techniques for semen collection, AI, super-ovulation,
embryo preservation and transfer have been adopted. Unfortunately, the
success rates are still far behind what had been accomplished in other
farm animals. Therefore, this project comes to elucidate the best
technique suitable for the dromedary camel, with particular reference to
establishment of semen and embryo bank from superior camels.
4
Literature Review
More than five decades have passed since the first AI was
documented in the two humped camel (camelus bactrianus) using frozenthawed semen. However, the use of AI in the dromedary camel (camelus
dromedarius) is very limited due to the low conception rate. In the
dromedary camel, Skidmore et al. (2003) reported conception rate of 50
% using fresh semen within 30 minutes of collection, however, no
pregnancies could be established using frozen-thawed semen. Similar
results were reported by others (Deen et al., 2003). The reasons behind
low conception rates using AI in the dromedary are not clear, however,
this could be attributed to the difficulties in semen collection and
preservation and the problems with induction of ovulation (Arthur, 1992).
Semen collection and preservation is a pre-requisite for successful
AI. The techniques used for semen collection are inconsistent and
unreliable in this species. Difficulties include the failure of collection
from some males, poor quality semen, the absence of standard methods
for semen quality control and preservation. Bull’s artificial vagina (AV)
is commonly used for semen collection in the dromedary, but some
reports suggested a negative effect of the inner liner (rubber).
Modifications of the AV have been employed to overcome these
limitations; this included the use of a plastic inner liner which often was
refused by males. Moreover, collection using the AV bares some hazard
to the operator due to the aggressiveness of the male during rutting
season. A collaborative work between CRC and a research team from the
Veterinary College resulted in the development of a safer method of
collection using the artificial vagina. The results showed a significant
5
improvement in semen quality and in the safety, however, more work is
needed in this area to establish a safer, consistent and reliable method for
semen collection.
Camel semen is characterized by the presence of a gelatinous
substance which thought to serve as a sperm reservoir in the female
reproductive tract. Therefore semen extension might negatively affect the
seminal plasma protective abilities (Deen et al., 2005). In addition, the
high viscosity makes it very difficult to handle, evaluate and mix the
semen with a suitable diluent. For insemination, semen is deposited in the
female tract using cattle or equine insemination catheter (Tibary and
Anouassi, 1997). In the dromedary camel, 100 x 106 spermatozoa were
used for AI but no studies were conducted to establish the minimum
number of spermatozoa needed to achieve pregnancy.
Super-ovulation and embryo transfer are reproductive techniques
routinely used in the improvement of genetic traits in farm animals.
Camels are induced ovulators, which differs considerably compared to
other farm animals. Ovulation occurs after mating and it can be induced
artificially by the deposition of semen in the female tract. An ovulation
inducing factor was reported in the semen of the two humped camel.
However, no studies were conducted on the dromedary regarding this
factor. Super-ovulation and embryo transfer are yet to be employed with
success in this species. Protocols used in cattle were adopted to induce
super-ovulation in camels. This involve the use of FSH, eCG and
progesterone, however, the results were not encouraging. The
responsiveness to super-ovulation and embryo production is variable and
about 30 % of the females do not respond to the regime. Moreover, some
females develop immunity against FSH and eCG which render them
6
unusable in embryo transfer programs. Understanding the dynamics of
folliculogenesis and the endocrinology of ovulation will lead to
improvement in the control of reproduction in this species.
Embryo freezing is another important technique used in
conjunction with super-ovulation and embryo transfer. The advantages of
this technique include the preservation of genetic material and the
enhancement of genetic traits exchange in geographically separated
populations, minimization of the need for recipient synchronization since
the fertilized ova can be thawed and transferred when the recipients are
ready. Studies in the dromedary regarding embryo freezing are scant,
recently, the first camel from a frozen embryo was reported (Nowshari et
al., 2005). Nevertheless, the success rate was very low (< 2 %) and more
studies are needed regarding the embryonic development and effect of
cryopreservation to achieve a sustainable conception rate.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been utilized to produce embryos in
vitro in many domestic and non-domestic species. As of the other
reproductive techniques, IVF in the camel is still in its experimental
stages. The first IVF camel was born in 2005 (Khatir and Anouassi). This
was followed by few studies on the in vitro and in vivo maturation of
camel oocytes. Studies on the molecular mechanisms governing oocyte
maturation are needed to establish the optimum in vitro conditions for
oocyte maturation. Moreover, sperm capacitation has not yet been studied
in this species and the protocols used in IVF studies were adopted from
the cattle IVF systems.
In conclusion, it is clear that the application of reproductive
technology in camels lag behind compared to other domestic and some
7
non-domestic species. The performance of in-depth original studies
regarding the reproductive aspects in the dromedary and the availability
of funding of long term projects is key to the successful application of
these techniques.
8
General Objectives
1- Improvement of reproductive efficiency of dromedary camels.
2- Recruitment of distinguished competent scientists to excite the
project.
3- Provision of modern technology that lead to achievement of
successful AI, embryo transfer and establishment of semen and
embryo cryobanks.
9
Project Description
The 4-years work plane is expected to be achieved through the following
programs;
1- AI program
 Development consistent and reliable method of semen collection.
 Characterizing physical and chemical properties of camel semen.
 Proper timing of AI in the female camel.
 Determination of optimum insemination dose.
 Improvement of the success rate of AI in camels.
 Semen processing, storage, thawing and handling.
 Pregnancy diagnosis.
 Improvement of methods used for evaluation of the camel semen
through;

The use of fluorescent probes and flow cytometry to analyze
viability and function of camel spermatozoa.

The use of computer based motility and morphology
analyzers.
10
2- Embryo transfer program
 Super-ovulation and insemination.
 Embryo recovery and preservation.
 Synchronization of the recipients.
 Transfer of frozen-thawed embryos.
 Pregnancy confirmation and maintinance.
3- In vitro fertilization program
 Oocyte collection and evaluation.
 Improvement of in vitro viability of oocyte.
 Optimization of the concentration of spermatozoa used for IVF.
 Optimization of the culture time before transfer of the fertilized oocyte.
4- Establishment of specialized reproduction unit
This unit will host the genetic cryobank for oocytes, spermatozoa and
embryos. All the necessary technical equipments and tools concerned
with AI and embryo transfer will be kept in the unit.
11
Job Description for the Chair-Professor
1- A professor in AI and embryo transfer, preferably Saudi, shall be
appointed in this position.
2- A continued and distinguished research activities is highly
recommended.
3- King Faisal University Council may waver any conditions stated
for the appropriate fulfillment of the position.
12
Professor’s Commitment to the Project
1- Propose a design and work plan for the execution of the project.
2- Execute the work plane approved by the university.
3- Contribute to the improvement of research environment in the
centre.
4- Training of researches, postgraduate students and technical staff,
and provide consultancy to both private and public sectors.
5- Taking part in conferences, symposia, exhibition and activity
concerned with the camel.
6- Submit a detailed annual report about progress of the work plan to
the chancellor of the University.
7- He shall be responsible to the vice-chancellor for postgraduate
studies and research and director of Camel Research Centre.
8- Shall carryout any other activities stated in the agreement.
13
The Centre’s strength points
 It has a good reputation nationally and internationally. The CRC jointly
conducted symposia and meeting with national scientific societies and
has conducted training courses with the FAO.
 Internationally the CRC has many links with:
- National research centre on camel, Biknar, India.
- Centre for Development on Dromedary in Saharan zones, Morocco.
- Arab Centre for studies of Arid zones and Dry Land ACSAD.
 The CRC is currently conducting a number of research projects.
 The centre has produced research articles published in peer reviewed
journals.
 The centre offers training to students, technicians and farmers.
 The centre contributes to the postgraduate programs of the College of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources.
 The centre has a general lab equipped with essential devices and tools to
conduct basic experiments.
 The centre has access to all the labs affiliated to the College of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources.
 The centre has many units affiliated to it and covers the spectrum of
scientific activity cooperative researchers.
14
Suggested Budget
Item
Monthly
Annually
Total
Chair-Prof. salary
Transport allowance
Residence allowance
18000
600
216000
7200
25000
864000
28800
100000
Researcher
Technician
7000
6000
84000
72000
336000
28800
Equipment
2500000
Material
Animals and feed
300000
200000
Equipment maintenance
Information facilities
Communications
Miscellaneous
Total
300000
7000
10000
100000
4774600
References
Abdoon ASS 2001 Factors affecting follicular population, oocyte yield and quality in
camels (Camelus dromedarius) ovary with special reference to maturation
time in vitro. Animal Reproduction Science 66:71-79.
15
Abdoon ASS, Kandil OM, Berisha B, Kliem H & Schams D 2007 Morphology of
Dromedary Camel Oocytes and their Ability to Spontaneous and Chemical
Parthenogenetic Activation. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 42:88-93.
Al Eknah MM 2000 Reproduction in Old World camels. Animal Reproduction
Science 60-61:583-592.
Alhaider AK 2002 Collection and evaluation of camel (camelus dromedarius)
semen. MVM. Al Ahsa: King Faisal University.
Ali S, Ahmad N, Akhtar N, Zia Ur R & Noakes DE 2007 Metabolite contents of
blood serum and fluid from small and large sized follicles in dromedary
camels during the peak and the low breeding seasons. Animal Reproduction
Science In press.
Bravo PW, Skidmore JA & Zhao XX 2000 Reproductive aspects and storage of
semen in Camelidae. Animal Reproduction Science 62:173-193.
Chen BX, Yuen ZX & Pan GW 1985 Semen-induced ovulation in the bactrian
camel (Camelus bactrianus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 74:335339.
Deen A, Vyas S & Sahani MS 2003 Semen collection, cryopreservation and artificial
insemination in the dromedary camel. Animal Reproduction Science 77:223233.
Hafez ES & Hafez B 2001 Reproductive parameters of male dromedary and bactrian
camels. Archives of Andrology 46:85-98.
Hemeida NA, Al-Eknah MM, Ismail ST & Alhaider AK 2001 A new technique for
collection of semen from dromedary camels. Emirates Journal of Agricultural
Sciences 13:18-22.
Khatir H, Anouassi A & Tibary A 2005 In vitro and in vivo Developmental
Competence of Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) Embryos Produced in vitro
16
Using Two Culture Systems (mKSOMaa and Oviductal Cells). Reproduction
in Domestic Animals 40:245-249.
Khatir H & Anouassi A 2006 The first dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) offspring
obtained from in vitro matured, in vitro fertilized and in vitro cultured
abattoir-derived oocytes. Theriogenology 65:1727-1736.
Khatir H, Anouassi A & Tibary A 2007 Effect of follicular size on in vitro
developmental competence of oocytes and viability of embryos after transfer
in the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Animal Reproduction Science
99:413-420.
Musa B, Sieme I, Merkt H & Hago BED 1992 Artificial insemination in dromedary
camels. Proceedings of the First International Camel Conference. Dubai. 179182.
Nikjou D, Niasari-Naslaji A, Skidmore JA, Mogheiseh A, Razavi K, Gerami A &
Ghanbari A 2008 Synchronization of follicular wave emergence prior to
superovulation in Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus). Theriogenology
69:491-500.
Nili H, Mesbah F, Kafi M & Nasr Esfahani MH 2004 Light and transmission
electron microscopy of immature camelus dromedarius oocyte. Anatomia,
Histologia, Embryologia 33:196-199.
Nowshari MA & Ali SA 2005 Effect of season and gonadotropins on the
superovulatory response in camel (Camelus dromedarius). Theriogenology
64:1526-1535.
Nowshari MA, Ali SA & Saleem S 2005 Offspring resulting from transfer of
cryopreserved embryos in camel (Camelus dromedarius). Theriogenology
63:2513-2522.
17
Parrish JJ, Susko-Parrish J, Winer MA & First NL 1988 Capacitation of bovine
sperm by heparin. Biology of Reproduction 38:1171-1180.
Sghiri A & Driancourt MA 1999 Seasonal effects on fertility and ovarian follicular
growth
and
maturation
in
camels
(Camelus
dromedarius).
Animal
Reproduction Science 55:223-237.
Skidmore JA & Loskutoff NM 1999 Developmental competence in vitro and in vivo
of cryopreserved expanding blastocysts from the dromedary camel.
Theriogenology 51:293-293.
Skidmore JA, Billah M, Binns M, Short RV & Allen WR 1999 Hybridizing Old
and New World camelids: Camelus dromedarius x Lama guanicoe. Proc Biol
Sci 266:649-656.
Skidmore JA, Billah M & Allen WR 2002 Investigation of factors affecting
pregnancy rate after embryo transfer in the dromedary camel. Reproduction,
Fertility and Development 14:109-116.
Skidmore JA 2003 The main challenges facing camel reproduction research in the
21st century. Reproduction Supplements 61:37-47.
Tibary A & Anouassi A 1997 Theriogenology in Camelidae. edn 1. Mina, Abu
Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Printing Press
Tibary A, Anouassi A, Sghiri A & Khatir H 2007 Current knowledge and future
challenges in camelid reproduction. Society for Reproduction and Fertilty
Supplements 64:297-313.
Vyas S & Sahani MS 2000 Real-time ultrasonography of ovaries and breeding of the
one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) during the early postpartum
period. Animal Reproduction Science 59:179-184.
Vyas S, Rai AK, Goswami PK, Singh AK, Sahani MS & Khanna ND 2004
Superovulatory response and embryo recovery after treatment with different
18
gonadotrophins during induced luteal phase in Camelus dromedarius. Tropical
animal health and production 36:557-565.
Wani NA, Billah M & Skidmore JA 2008 Studies on liquefaction and storage of
ejaculated dromedary camel (Camelus
dromedarius) semen.
Animal
Reproduction Science In Press, Corrected Proof.
Xu YS, Wang HY, Zeng GQ, Jiang GT & Gao YH 1985 Hormone concentrations
before and after semen-induced ovulation in the bactrian camel (Camelus
bactrianus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 74:341-346.
19