Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, Carus Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Karnal, India
Dr. Bajrang Sharma, Government Veterinary Hospital, Dwarapura, Dausa, Rajasthan, India
Introduction
Heat stress and dehydration are critical health issues affecting animals in desert regions, with camels being particularly vulnerable despite their adaptations to such harsh environments. Deserts are characterized by extreme temperatures, low humidity, and scarce water resources, creating a challenging environment for the survival and well-being of livestock. Camels, often referred to as the “ships of the desert,” play a vital role in the economy and culture of desert-dwelling communities. However, even these remarkably resilient animals are not immune to the detrimental effects of heat stress and dehydration.
The Importance of Camels in Desert Ecosystems
Camels have been domesticated for thousands of years and are integral to the livelihoods of many people living in desert regions. They are used for transportation, agricultural work, and as a source of milk, meat, and wool. In arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, camels are indispensable. Their ability to travel long distances without water and carry heavy loads makes them ideally suited to desert life.
Camel milk is a crucial part of the diet in many desert communities, providing essential nutrients that are often scarce in these regions. Camel meat is also a valuable source of protein. Additionally, camels are used in tourism and cultural events, contributing to the economic stability of many desert regions. Given their importance, maintaining the health and productivity of camels is paramount.
Heat Stress in Camels
Heat stress occurs when an animal’s body cannot dissipate excess heat, leading to physiological strain and potential health problems. Camels have several adaptations that help them cope with extreme heat, such as their ability to withstand high body temperatures and conserve water. However, these adaptations have limits, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stress. Factors contributing to heat stress in camels include:
High Ambient Temperatures: Desert regions can experience temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F), placing immense thermal stress on animals.
Intense Solar Radiation: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight increases the heat load on camels, exacerbating the effects of high ambient temperatures.
Limited Shade: In many desert areas, natural shade is scarce, forcing camels to endure the full brunt of the sun’s rays.
High Workload: During periods of high demand, such as agricultural seasons or festivals, camels may be overworked, increasing their susceptibility to heat stress.
Symptoms of heat stress in camels include increased respiratory rate, excessive sweating, lethargy, reduced feed intake, as the stress progresses, more obvious signs, such as lower lip drooping, excessive salivation, facial paralysis, scrotal swelling in intact males, weakness and difficulty breathing, may be apparent. In severe cases, affected camelids may be unable to stand, develop chest and limb oedema, or start to convulse, and in severe cases, collapse. Heat stress can also impair reproductive performance, reduce milk yield, and decrease overall productivity, impacting the economic well-being of desert communities.
Dehydration in Camels
Dehydration is a significant risk for camels, particularly during periods of extreme heat. While camels can tolerate a higher degree of dehydration than many other animals, they still require regular water intake to maintain their health and functionality. Factors contributing to dehydration in camels include:
Scarcity of Water Sources: Desert regions often have limited water sources, which may be far apart and difficult to access.
High Water Loss: During periods of high temperatures, camels lose water through sweating and increased respiratory rates.
Poor Water Quality: Available water sources may be of poor quality, leading to reduced water intake and further dehydration.
Prolonged Work: Extended periods of physical exertion without adequate water intake can rapidly deplete a camel’s water reserves.
Signs of dehydration in camels include dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, and dark, concentrated urine. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even death if not addressed promptly.
Addressing Heat Stress and Dehydration
Challenges and Solutions
Managing heat stress and dehydration in camels requires a multifaceted approach. Traditional practices often involve providing shade, ensuring access to clean water, and adjusting workload during peak heat periods. However, these measures alone may not be sufficient under extreme conditions.
Innovative solutions, such as the development and use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT-LRG), have shown promising results in mitigating the effects of dehydration and heat stress. ORT-LRG is designed to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, aiding in the recovery and maintenance of hydration levels in camels. ORT-LRG is the unique combination of energy, electrolytes, essential vitamins, and minerals along with probiotics. Field trials/case studies and scientific studies are crucial in validating the efficacy of ORT-LRG and providing evidence-based recommendations for their use.
Field Trials and Research Objectives
Location & geographical conditions:
To address the challenges of heat stress and dehydration in camels and to validate the efficacy of ORT-LRG Carus Laboratories, Karnal, Haryana, collaborated with Dr. Bajrang Sharma, who is a government veterinarian with vast knowledge and extensive field experience and is posted in Karauli district of Rajasthan. The field study was conducted in Garhmora village, Karauli district, Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan is one of the states in India with desert and a good population of camels. Considered one of the hottest states in India, the hot season in Karauli district lasts for 2.4 months, from April 13 to June 26, with an average daily high temperature above 99°F. The hottest month of the year in Karauli is May, with an average high of 105°F and low of 82°F. Considering the climatic condition and availability of camels, the Karauli district of Rajasthan is chosen for the trail. The trial was conducted during the month of June, as it is the hottest month of the year and most cases of heat stress were registered in the past.
This trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ORT-LRG for camels. The study focused on three camels exhibiting symptoms of heat stress and dehydration.
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The primary objectives of this field trial were to:
- Assess the rehydration effectiveness of ORT-LRG in camels.
- Evaluate the improvement in symptoms of heat stress and laboured breathing.
- Determine the recovery time for camels treated with ORT-LRG
By providing real-world data on the efficacy of ORT-LRG, this study aims to support the broader adoption of effective rehydration strategies for camels and other livestock in desert regions.
Skin Scoring method for checking the level of dehydration:
Grasp the skin at the base of the neck or over the shoulder blade of the animal. Pull the skin gently upwards and release it. Observe the skin as it returns to its normal position. The readings of skin tent test and per cent dehydration are closely related to each other as the skin elasticity is lost due to loss of fluid from the body.
- If the skin returns to its normal position immediately, the animal is well hydrated and the skin tent duration is zero
- If the skin takes 1-2 seconds to return to its normal position, the animal is mildly dehydrated and the skin tent duration is considered to be 1.
- If the skin takes 2-4 seconds to return to its normal position, the animal is moderately dehydrated and the skin tent duration is considered to be 2
- If the skin takes more than 4 seconds to return to its normal position, the animal is severely dehydrated and the skin tent duration is considered to be 3.
Result:
| Animal 1 | |||||
| S. No. | Physical parameters | 0 day (just before treatment) | 2nd Day (After treatment) | 3rd day (After treatment) | Comment |
| 1 | Water intake | less | Slightly improved | normal | complete recovery in 4 days |
| 2 | Skin score/skin tent duration | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | Eye recession | ||||
| 4 | Activeness/ alertness level of animal | dull | alert | alert | |
| 5 | Sings of reluctant to rise and inability to Kush | not observed | not observed | not observed | |
| 6 | If diarrhoea is there number of days in diarrhoea after treatment | not observed | not observed | not observed | |
| 7 | Panting signs due to heat stress | heavy breathing & constipation | Slight abnormal breathing | Normal breathing | |
Animal 1 was brought to the veterinarian with the symptoms of dehydration with lower feed and water intake. The animal looks dull and lethargic with signs of heavy breathing. After keen observation, skin scoring was done and given a score of 1, which indicates that the animal was moderately dehydrated. The animal was observed for 3 days for the physical symptoms after the administration of solution, and the total time required for complete recovery was also noted. After the oral administration of the one bottle of ORT LRG (liquid rehydration solution) provided by Carus Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., the animal showed the sign of symptomatic recovery. The signs of recovery were noted from the 2nd day of treatment with skin scoring and level of alertness. It took 4 days for the complete recovery of the animal after the treatment. Though the animal started getting slight relief from heat stress and labored breathing problems on the second day of the treatment.
| Animal 2 | |||||
| S. No. | Physical parameters | 0 day (just before treatment) | 2nd Day (After treatment) | 3rd day (After treatment) | Comment |
| 1 | Water intake | less | less | normal | complete recovery in 4 days |
| 2 | Skin score/skin tent duration | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| 3 | Eye recession | ||||
| 4 | Activeness/ alertness level of animal | dull | Slight alert | alert | |
| 5 | Sings of reluctant to rise and inability to Kush | not observed | not observed | not observed | |
| 6 | If diarrhoea is there number of days in diarrhoea after treatment | not observed | not observed | not observed | |
| 7 | Panting signs due to heat stress | heavy breathing | Slight abnormal breathing | Normal breathing | |
Animal 2 was brought to the clinic with the symptoms of severe dehydration with lower feed and water intake. The animal looks very dull and lethargic with signs of heavy breathing and is reluctant to rise or stand. The skin score of 2 was given after observation, which suggested that the animal was moderately dehydrated. The animal was observed for 3 days for the physical symptoms after the administration of solution (500 ml of ORT LRG), and the total time required for complete recovery was also noted.
The animal shows the sign of recovery within a few hours of administration of oral solution, and more visible signs started seeing from the second day of administration. The sign of laboured breathing/painting subsides from the second day itself, and also the animal shows slight alertness. Most of the heat-stressed symptoms subside by the third day, and animals get completely recovered by the 4th day of treatment.
| Animal 3 | |||||
| S. No. | Physical parameters | 0 day (just before treatment) | 2nd Day (After treatment) | 3rd day (After treatment) | Comment |
| 1 | Water intake | less | less | normal | complete recovery in 7 days |
| 2 | Skin score/skin tent duration | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3 | Eye recession | ||||
| 4 | Activeness/ alertness level of animal | dull | dull | slight alert | |
| 5 | Sings of reluctant to rise and inability to Kush | observed | observed | not observed | |
| 6 | If diarrhoea is there number of days in diarrhoea after treatment | not observed | not observed | not observed | |
| 7 | Panting signs due to heat stress | Painting | Slight heavy breathing | Not recovered completely | |
Animal 3: The owner called the veterinarian to his premises, where he was having a camel that was showing the symptoms of severe heat stress. The animal looks very dull and lethargic with signs of heavy breathing (painting), and there is also a significant reduction in feed and water intake. The main symptoms observed were that the animal was reluctant to rise and showed an inability to kush. After keen observation, skin scoring was done and given a score of 2, which indicates that the animal was moderately dehydrated.
After the administration of ORT LRG 1 bottle (500 ml), the animal was observed for 3 days for the physical symptoms, and the total time required for complete recovery was also noted. Though there is slight improvement in the water intake, the feed intake and sign of lethargy still persist on the second day of treatment. The animals started showing signs of recovery from the third day with improvements in the feed and water intake. The animal stands on its feet and seems slightly active, and the breathing becomes slightly normal. It took 7 days for the animal to recover completely.
Conclusion:
The administration of ORT LRG in heat-stressed conditions in camels shows a positive response and helps the animal to recover quickly and alleviates the signs of heat stress. In two animals (Animals 1 and 2), the improvement in feed and water intake was seen from the second day of treatment, and complete recovery was noticed by the third day.
The nutritional modification in terms of ORT LRG could help the animals to maintain homeostasis or prevent nutritional deficiencies that result from heat stress. Lowered dry matter intake during the hot weather reduces the nutrient availability and absorption, and absorbed nutrients are used less efficiently (J. W. West, 1999). So, providing ORT LRG as an oral solution that not only contains electrolytes but also energy, important minerals, vitamins, and probiotics shows better potency than simple electrolytes and energy sources. The single dose of 500 ml helps the camel in the trial to regain the appetite and water intake. All three animals show the sign of recovery from the 2nd day of ORT LRG administration, though for animal 3, it takes 7 days to recover completely.
The current case study shows that the administration of ORT LRG in camels in heat-stressed conditions supports the desert-dwelling animal to maintain the normal body physiological condition and homeostasis and recover from symptoms. ORT LRG is an effective rehydration solution that helps to recover the camels from heat stress symptoms.
Acknowledgement:
We are thankful to Dr. Bajrang Sharma, Government Veterinary Officer, Government Veterinary Hospital, Dwarapura, Dausa, Rajasthan, for helping in conducting the trial.