%N 1
%I Scienceline Publication
%T Leukocyte Subpopulations in the Peripheral Blood of the Omani Camel Breed
%A Fathi Ahmed AL-Musallam
%A Jamal Hussen
%P 56-63
%L eprints1522
%X Breed-specific variations in immune responses have been studied across various species and breeds. The identification of camel breeds with high immune competence can enhance the breeding of camels with superior immune responsiveness. To date, no study has examined the immune cell composition in the blood of the Omani camel breed. The present study aimed to analyze the immunophenotype of blood leukocytes in the Omani camel breed and investigate the impact of age and gender on the tested immune parameters. To do so, blood samples were collected from 32 clinically healthy camels, randomly selected and comprising 17 camel calves (8 males and 9 females) and 15 adult camels (4 males and 11 females). The samples were tested using flow cytometry and membrane immune fluorescence. The results of the present study revealed a significantly lower count of white blood cells (WBC) in the Omani camel breed than the reference ranges reported for dromedary camels in the published literature. The leukogram was characterized by the dominance of neutrophils (54-60 %) in the blood, followed by lymphocytes (23-33 %). When compared to adult camels, the leukogram pattern in young Omani camels was characterized by elevated WBC and lymphocytes but low levels of eosinophilic granulocytes. The analysis of lymphocyte subsets revealed the dominance of gd T cells over helper T cells and B cells in the blood of young camel calves, confirming that camels belong to the gd T cell-rich species. In addition, lower numbers of B cells and helper T cells in young camels suggest lower cell-mediated and humoral immune functionality compared to adults. Although some differences were identified between male and female adult camels, these results are limited by the low numbers of male camels within the adult group. In conclusion, the distinct leukogram patterns observed in young and adult camels highlight the significant impact of age on the immune competence of Omani camels.
%V 15
%J World’s Veterinary Journal
%D 2025
%R 10.54203/scil.2025.wvj7
%K Camel, Omani camel, Immunophenotype, Leukocyte