Scientific Camel Care

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency is common and deadly!

Racing camels are prone to a fatal condition known as Polioencephalomalacia, seen in camels in racing camps, which are being fed high grain or concentrate rations, with too little roughage. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency in these cases is linked to the rumen acidosis which develops with unbalanced concentrate feeding and too little roughage. The production of essential vitamin B1 in the rumen ceases under the acid conditions created by excess carbohydrates.

Signs usually start as a slight dragging of the hind feet while walking, developing to a general incoordination and rising difficulty and recumbency within 36 hours. Affected camels usually appear blind.

This condition responds early to Thiamine (vitamin B1) injections, (as oral thiamine is not as successfully absorbed, due to a percentage of rumen destruction of the vitamin). Regular injections of thiamine are more effective and practical in treatment of polioencephalomalacia.

Thiamine is an essential water soluble vitamin, involved in many critical stages of carbohydrate metabolism, and researchers in the UAE are now convinced that subclinical deficiencies of Thiamine (vitamin B1) and vitamin E are responsible for limiting racing performance in many camels. Blood thiamine levels in racing camels have been reported to be lower than the levels in breeding camels, and this is thought to be due to the increased stress of exercise and training, as well as the high grain and concentrate diets with inadequate roughage leading to reduced thiamine absorption from the rumen.

Racing Camels Shown to Respond

Racing camels showing loss of performance have many times shown significant improvement after receiving initial high doses of vitamin B1 (BATPHOL 500-1000mg IV), followed by oral supplementation.

Early cases respond significantly to treatment with BATPHOL at a dose of 1mg/kg IV within 24 hours, and this dose should be repeated daily for at least 3-4 days.

B1 Deficiency Related to Diets

The occurrence of thiamine deficiency in racing camps is an indication to examine feeding practices, and generally decrease the concentrate fed, while increasing the roughage. At the same time, supplementing with thiamine, or regular vitamin B1 injections using BATPHOL should be initiated.

Adequate trace mineral supplements should also be commenced.

Batphol Vitamin B Complex Injection for Camels on High Grain & Concentrate Diets

Containing the B Complex vitamins, including Thiamine (vitamin B1), BATPHOL is designed specifically for performance animals, including camels, on high grain and concentrate diets, where vitamin deficiencies, particularly that of thiamine, are highly likely.

Administration:
Give by intramuscular or intravenous injection.

Dosage:
Camels with clinical signs of Polioencephalomalacia -Give 1mg/kg by IV administration, repeated daily for 3-4 days, or as directed by a veterinarian.

Prevention: 5mL every two days by IV or IM injection.

Ranvet also recommends supplementation with::

Humavyte
To maintain normal rumen function
& reduce acidosis in camels

Humavyte oral supplement is specifically designed for camels on high grain and concentrate diets to replace the normal rumen microbes essential for digestion, and to reduce the high incidence of indigestion, grain overload and rumen acidosis seen in camels in racing camps.

By reducing the rumen acidosis, Humavyte helps ensure that sufficient Thiamine (vitamin B1) is available from the rumen.

Humavyte should be supplemented to hand fed camels on a daily basis to aid in maintaining normal rumen microflora populations, assist in reducing ruminal acidosis, reduce indigestion, and maintain performance.

Adult Camel: 20-40mL daily.