Fetal Sex Determination in Dromedary Camels in the First Trimester Using Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography

This study evaluated the efficacy of transrectal ultrasonography for early fetal sex determination in dromedary camels by identifying the location of the genital tubercle (GT) relative to the tail head and the abdominal insertion of the umbilical cord. A total of 473 examinations were performed between 55 and 85 days of gestation on 159 female dromedary camels. Overall feasibility of visualising the GT was 86.5%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 90% for feasible cases. Gestational age was the most significant factor affecting accuracy, with significantly lower accuracy before 65 days. The optimal window for reliable determination was between 65 and 80 days, with accuracy peaking at 96.9% between 70 and 74 days of gestation. Dam parity and breed had no significant effect on accuracy. The findings confirm that transrectal ultrasonography is a highly accurate and practical tool for fetal sexing in camels in the first trimester, offering valuable information for commercial herd management when performed within the defined optimal timeframe.