Are female camels capital breeder? Influence of seasons, age, and body condition on reproduction in an extremely arid region

We examined reproductive tract, ovaries (e.g. follicles, ovarian pathologies) and fetal traits. Most females were cyclic (N = 288); analyses revealed an alternate contralateral ovarian functioning, the left ovary being the most active. Pregnancy rate was low (N = 34 pregnant females), and only the left uterine horn carried a single fetus. In both cyclic and pregnant females we found marked seasonal patterns with a reproductive peak in winter, but without cessation of reproduction during the hot and dry summer. Age and body condition positively influenced ovarian functioning, pregnancy rate and gestational age. All these factors displayed complex interactions. Overall, our analyses suggest that although body reserves are important, dromedary camels are not pure capital breeders. Instead, they exhibit a flexible reproductive strategy influenced by age and seasons. We suggest that the marked lateralization of the functioning of both the ovaries and uterus represents an adaptation that limits fecundity.
Source: Mammalian Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: research