Seasonal Histomorphometric Analysis of Ovarian Follicular Dynamics in the Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD candidate, Urmia University

2 Urmia University- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

3 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia- Iran

10.30466/vrf.2026.2084898.5061
Abstract
A sound knowledge of follicular dynamics needs to be better understood in any species. However, there remains a need for comprehensive histomorphometrical quantification across all four seasons, incorporating both ovaries in dromedary camel is crucial prerequisite. Present study aimed to quantify histomorphometry variations in follicles across seasons of a year. For this purpose, from 36 (4-7 years old) apparently healthy and no pregnant dromedary she camels (3 in each month of a year) right and left ovaries were collected and processed through paraffin embedding technique and semiserially cut at 5-7µm and stain with H&E method. Through all the seasons, the highest counts (P≤0.05) were consistently recorded for primordial follicles, particularly in the right ovary. Primary and secondary follicles were stand in second record. Graafian follicles were detected in some animals, likewise reaching their maximum frequency in the winter (January). Atretic follicles were observed through all seasons. No significant differences (P≥0.05) were observed between the left and right ovaries for these follicular categories. The results indicated a general increasing trend in follicle numbers with advancing age. At 4 and 6.5 years of age, the mean follicle counts were increased with less sharpness, but at 7 years of age, the highest value was recorded. In conclusion, our results, confirm that while early folliculogenesis in this animal appears season-invariant, late-stage maturation and follicular atresia are strongly modulated by environmental and seasonal factors. These findings contribute to optimizing reproductive management strategies, particularly in aligning breeding efforts with periods of enhanced ovarian activity.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 November 2026

  • Receive Date 08 February 2026
  • Revise Date 04 July 2026
  • Accept Date 11 July 2026