Hormonal and behavioural patterns in the male camel ( <i>Camelus dromedarius</i> )

Abstract

Summary. Androgen levels in blood and the behaviour of male camels were determined during 1 year. In the months January to April large amounts of androgens were found in blood serum (~30 ng/ml compared with ~2 ng/ml throughout the remaining months) as well as in a secretion from glands on the back of the neck (36 ng/ml). During this period when hormone levels were high the behaviour of the camels changed: they became unmanageable, blew-out a palatal flap from the mouth, vocalized, and spread urine over their backs with the aid of their tails. The changes in the sexual cycle of the male camels corresponded with the oestrous period in female camels.