Serum Biochemical Indices in Camels Presented at Veterinary Clinics in Kano and Jigawa States During Ramadan Season

Camels play vital socioeconomic roles in northern Nigeria as a source of milk, meat, and transport, yet systematic biochemical data from Nigerian dromedary populations are scarce. This study characterised serum biochemical indices in dromedary camels presented at veterinary clinics in Kano and Jigawa States during the Ramadan season, when increased camel milk demand drives intensive use. Sixty clinically examined camels, forty presented for routine health checks and twenty with non-specific clinical signs, were recruited. Serum total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, glucose, and electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and calcium were measured by standard biochemical methods. Reference biochemical values were established from clinically healthy animals. Glucose concentrations in all camels were markedly lower than mammalian reference values, consistent with published camel-specific biochemical norms, while urea was elevated, reflecting the physiological importance of urea recycling in this uricotelic-adapted species. Camels with clinical signs showed significantly lower serum sodium, suggesting dehydration-related electrolyte depletion. Total protein and albumin values were generally within the published dromedary reference range. These findings contribute to the development of species-specific biochemical reference data for Nigerian camels and highlight the need for camel-adapted clinical biochemistry guidelines in veterinary practice in the North West zone. Keywords: dromedary camel, serum biochemistry, reference values, Kano, Jigawa.