The effect of feeding natron (ATRON) as a mineral and buffering agent on the general health and production of camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Six camels of 279±16.14 kg live body weight and 3–6 years old were divided into 2 groups of 3 animals each, to study the feeding effect of Natron on general health and production through measuring the feed intake, some haemoglobin (Hb) indices and the body weight gain. Two diets supplemented and un-supplemented with Natron were used for the purpose of this experiment. The results showed that Natron's cation content has no significant (P>0.05) effect on the camel buffering system. Roughage intake was not improved within the 2 groups when fed the un-supplemented diets, but there was an improved roughage intake (P<0.05) in the 2 groups when fed the Natron supplemented diets. The live weight gain of the experimental camels was significantly (P<0.05) affected by Natron supplementation. The Hb level, white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) count were increased significantly along with the increase in roughage intake and live body weight gain.