Testosterone profiles and their correlation with sexual libido in male camels

The study was conducted on 4 male Jaisalmeri camels (Camelus dromedarius) on their circulating testosterone (T) profiles and correlation with sexual libido. The average T concentration was low during hot months of April to September, started increasing in the months of October and November, continued to increase steadily in the months of December, January and February followed by decline in the ensuing months. Individual variations in onset and cessation of T surge were observed. Sexual libido as indicated by copulation time (CT) and volume of semen ejaculated (V) was high during January to April months, declined slowly over May month followed by complete cessation in later half of June. Sexual libido was almost negligible during July to November months. The sexual libido was also low during December month. Like circulating T profiles, individual variations were also observed in sexual libido. Data indicated that onset as well as cessation of T surge preceded the onset and cessation of sexual libido in all the animals. A positive correlation was found among circulating T (concentration), CT and V of semen. It is concluded that seasonal changes in circulating testosterone governs sexual libido in male camels.