Sexual behaviour of camels and poll gland secretion during breeding and non-breeding season

Sexual behaviour of adult camels of both the sexes during breeding and non-breeding seasons was reported by observing (i) male and female in isolation, (ii) male in close proximity with she-camels, (iii) male introduced in coral of she camels, and (iv) during mating. Rutting in male was exhibited by restlessness, loss of appetite, grinding of teeth, blowing soft palate, gurgling sound and copious secretion of poll gland during breeding season. She camels also exhibited restlessness, interest in male camels and willingness for mating. During non-breeding season sexual behaviour was subdued or undistinctive in several cases. Rate of poll gland secretion was 0.14 ml/min with pH ranging from 8.5-9.0. Secretion contained glucose 9.46 mg/dl, total protein 1.77 g/dl, albumin 0.13 g/dl, urea 14.36 mg/dl and calcium 4.15 mg/dl. Results were discussed in the light of seasonal reproductive behaviour.