PSXIV-28 Supplementation of ruminal bypass protein (RUP) in racing camels.

Abstract Camels should be considered for current agricultural efforts towards higher sustainability, with their efficient utilization of resources making them a realistic and underappreciated option in the United States. While the benefits of rumen bypass protein (RUP) are well-known in cattle, a significant gap of scientific research exists with RUP requirements in dromedary camels. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of increased dietary RUP intake on racing performance and serology parameters in racing camels in the United Arab Emirates. Twelve racing camels of similar age (~1.5 years), genetics, and origin were utilized. All camels were fed a basal diet consisting of barley, fresh alfalfa, and mineral premix (Table 1). A 2-week covariance period was used to establish balanced groups according to individual speeds and bodyweight (BW). Afterward, a 17-week trial began with 2 groups (n = 6): a control group receiving the basal diet and a treatment group in which roasted soybean meal replaced alfalfa by 7.7% (DM basis). Dietary RUP in the treatment diet was 57% higher than the control (DM basis). Performance and serology measures were taken at regular intervals during track workouts. These parameters included individual speeds, heart rates (HR), and rectal temperatures (RT). Blood samples were taken 1 hour pre-exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise. Samples were kept on ice during transportation until hematological assessments were performed 3 hours after collection. Serum was separated and stored at -80 °C until further analysis. BW was assessed 3 days after each workout session to allow for water weight recovery. Data was analyzed via repeated measures MANOVA (performance), mixed model ANOVA (serology), and linear regression (BW) in JMP Student Edition, version 18.2. Four camels were dropped from the study, with 1 replaced per group (n = 5), due to illness. Daily DM feed intake was similar between control and treatment groups, consuming 5 and 5.1 kg., respectively. Speed, HR and RT showed a beneficial trend from dietary RUP and significantly changed over time with training (P = 0.0807; P < 0.0001). Serological differences (difference = post-exercise – pre) were compared between groups over time, showing a positive trend in hemoglobin for the treatment group (P = 0.1803). Total number of white blood cells, serum levels of lactase dehydrogenase and aspartate transferase demonstrated a mean increase in the treatment group, while the control group showed higher increases in creatinine kinase (P > 0.05). BW was not different between groups, but did significantly increase over time due to growth (P = 0.3499; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, RUP supplementation may benefit racing performance in dromedary camels. Further research is highly encouraged to support efforts not only for the racing industry, but for milk and meat production for agriculture.