Maternal and Environmental Drivers of Trace Mineral Dynamics in Camel Dams and Neonates Across Regions and Seasons in Saudi Arabia

The THI ranged from thermoneutral levels in the Northern winter (17.4) to severe heat stress in Eastern summer (33.8). Milk minerals exhibited strong seasonal and regional effects, with selenium peaking in summer and zinc in spring. Western dams showed elevated iron and iodine, whereas northern dams had higher zinc. Serum minerals in dams varied moderately with season but differed regionally for zinc, selenium, and iron. Neonatal serum reflected maternal and regional influences, showing significant season-by-region interactions for selenium and iodine. Positive correlations indicated coordinated maternal-neonatal mineral transfer, particularly for selenium, iodine, and zinc. Feed represented the main environmental source of Cu and Se. In conclusion, camel trace mineral status is mainly driven by environmental factors but regulated through maternal transfer, with selenium and iodine emerging as key heat-stress markers supporting targeted, region- and season-specific supplementation to improve health and productivity in arid regions.