Variation of the platelet indices of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) with age, sex and breed

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine reference intervals for platelet indices and hematological parameters in Saudi Arabian dromedary camels. Two hundred and twenty one apparently healthy dromedaries of Majahim (51 males and 31 females) and Maghatir (99 males and 40 males) breeds aged 1 - >10 yrs were investigated. Whole blood samples from the camels were analyzed for platelet count, platelet size indices and hematological parameters using an electrical impedance hematology system. Mean platelet indices values for Majahim camels were as follows: platelet count: 212.17 ± 10.76 (x109/L); plateletcrit: 0.12 ± 0.01%; Mean platelet volume: 5.28 ± 0.05 fL and platelet distribution width: 26.0±0.37%.  Corresponding mean values for Maghatir camels were: 211.12 ± 7.53 (x109/L); 0.12 ± 0.01%; 5.11 ± 0.04 fL and 24.82 ± 0.30%, respectively. No significant differences in platelet counts and platelet indices were detected between the two breeds. Different platelet indices revealed statistically significant age- and gender-related differences. Hematological parameters showed breed, age and intersex differences in mean  corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Sex and  agerelated differences were also found in red cell distribution width in addition to age-related differences in hematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Platelet indices revealed significant correlations among themselves and with platelet counts.

Key words: Camelus dromedarius, Majahim, Maghatir, platelet count, plateletcrit, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width.