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The present work compared the effects of starvation (7 days) and dehydration (10 days) followed by rehydration, on erythrocyte membranes of the desert camel (Camelus dromedarius). Total lipids, cholesterol, total phospholipids, phospholipid classes, fatty acids of phospholipid classes and proteins in the erythrocyte membranes of normal camels, sheep (Ovis aries) and desert goats (Capra hircus) have also been investigated. The results suggested that the lipid profile in the erythrocytes of the normal camels was significantly different from those found in normal sheep and goats. Between the two later species no significant differences were observed. In the erythrocyte membranes of the camel two classes of phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin), cholesterol and proteins were significantly higher than in sheep and goats. These constituents were not altered significantly by dehydration or starvation in the camel. These results may help to explain the resistance of camel erythrocytes to haemolysis after rehydration, infection with blood parasites or when confronted with other harsh environmental conditions. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.