Ovarian Dysfunction in Infertile Female Camels: Anovulatory Follicles and Ovarian Inactivity

A female camel may show normal receptivity to mating yet fail to establish pregnancy repeatedly. In such cases, ovarian activity deserves closer examination, particularly when follicular development does not progress to ovulation or when the ovaries remain inactive. 

Two patterns are particularly relevant in infertile females: Anovulatory follicles and ovarian inactivity. Although both can interfere with reproductive performance, they represent different ovarian problems and should not be approached in the same way. 

When a follicle does not ovulate^[1],[2],[3] 

Dromedary females can develop anovulatory follicles without copulation. Reported occurrence has varied considerably between studies, ranging from 0.9% to 43%, indicating substantial variation between populations and study conditions. 

Ultrasonography is particularly useful for identifying these follicles. In dromedaries, they may become considerably enlarged and can appear either anechoic or haemorrhagic and luteinized. 

That distinction matters. A luteinized haemorrhagic follicle can increase circulating progesterone. Therefore, progesterone findings should be interpreted alongside ovarian ultrasonography rather than used in isolation. 

Importantly, a luteinized anovulatory follicle does not necessarily make pregnancy impossible. Pregnancy and live birth have been reported in embryo recipients with luteinized anovulatory follicles. 

When the ovary is inactive^[2] 

Ovarian inactivity presents a different clinical problem. Affected females may remain receptive to mating despite limited or absent follicular activity, making the condition easy to overlook when infertility is assessed primarily from breeding behaviour. 

Several clinical circumstances may be associated with reduced ovarian activity. These include loss of body condition during lactation, debilitating disease, seasonal ovarian inactivity, and poor nutritional conditions. 

Endocrine abnormalities, including suspected hypothyroidism, have also been proposed. Age may further influence ovarian reserve; reduced Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations have been reported in older alpacas. 

The examination needs to go beyond “no follicle” 

A diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction should therefore be based on the reproductive history and assessment of ovarian activity rather than a single finding. 

The clinical distinction is important^[2]: 

• Persistent visible follicle: Consider anovulation and determine whether luteinization has occurred. 
• Little or no follicular activity: Investigate ovarian inactivity and possible nutritional, systemic, seasonal or endocrine associations. 
• Progesterone elevation: Interpret alongside ovarian ultrasonographic findings, particularly when a luteinized follicle is present. 

Clinical takeaway 

Not every infertile camel with an ovarian abnormality has the same reproductive problem. Anovulatory follicular development and ovarian inactivity require different interpretations. Combining reproductive history with ultrasonography and appropriate hormonal assessment can help determine whether the ovary is producing a persistent follicle, has undergone luteinization without ovulation, or is showing inadequate follicular activity.

References:

1. Elshazly MO, El-Rahman SS, Hamza DA, Ali ME. Prevalence of non-neoplastic ovarian disorders in non-pregnant she-camels (Camelus dromedaries) and their correlation to bacteriological isolation. http://www.ijvets.com/pdf-files/Volume-8-no-1-2019/20-27.pdf
2. Sghiri A, Ciccarelli M, Waqas MS, Anouassi A, Tibary A. Advances in the diagnosis of reproductive disorders in female camelids. Animals. 2025 Oct 4;15(19):2902. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/19/2902
3. Gherissi DE, Bouzebda Z, Afri FB, Lamraoui R, Chacha F. Cross-sectional survey of congenital and acquired genital disorders in sahraoui female camels (Camelus dromedarius) at El Oued abattoir, south-east Algeria. Animal Research International. 2019;16(3):3450-62. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ari/article/view/192157/181278