Hematological and clinical reference values for dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Gadarif Sudan

Abstract

The dromedary camel is essential to pastoral livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa due to its exceptional adaptability to harsh environments. However, locally derived hematological and physiological reference values under Sudanese conditions remain limited. This study aimed to establish a baseline health profile for clinically healthy dromedary camels in eastern Sudan and to assess the influence of sex and age on key physiological and hematological parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and September 2025 in Al-Showak, Gadarif State, involving 230 apparently healthy camels. Physiological parameters assessed using standard clinical methods included rectal temperature, pulse and respiration rates, blood pressure, capillary refill time, hydration status, forestomach motility, and buccal mucosal bleeding time. Hematological analyses comprised packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, red blood cell indices, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Mean physiological values were within normal ranges, with rectal temperature of 37.84 ± 0.96 °C, pulse rate of 32.25 ± 2.69 beats/min, and respiration rate of 15.56 ± 2.06 breaths/min. Mean hematological values included packed cell volume of 29.25 ± 2.35%, hemoglobin concentration of 11.79 ± 1.11 g/dL, and red blood cell count of 7.22 ± 0.77 × 10⁶/µL. Rectal temperature differed significantly between sexes, while age influenced rectal temperature and body condition score (p < 0.05). Body condition score correlated positively with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and negatively with leukocyte fractions. This study provides reliable baseline reference values for clinical evaluation, health monitoring, and evidence-based camel husbandry under semi-arid conditions.