Fasting and basal metabolism in the camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Five female camels were used in this study. They were totally deprived of food for 5 days. Their body weight decreased by 9.3% when compared to the control. Body temperature and respiratory rate declined with progressive starvation suggesting a reduced metabolism. Heat production decreased by 25% on the second day of food deprivation and regained the control value afterrefeeding. Plasma Thyroidhormones, T4 and T3, decreased by 80% and 60% respectively after 2 days of starvation. On the fifth day, when the camels were heat-stressed in an ambiance of 40-42°C, thermoregulatory responses were suppressed and body temperature increased with the time of heat exposure. Body temperature was shifted by 1°C lower than the control. These results suggest that the reduction in metabolism is one important strategy used by the camel to endure food deprivation.