Diurnal variation in blood parameters in the chicken in the hot Tropical climate

Abstract

Twelve adult male chicken of the Nigerian local strain were bled every 3 Hours for 24 hours. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were measured in the samples collected. Variations in the levels of these parameters throughout the 24 hours were determined. Thirteen out of the parameters measured showed significant diurnal variations. These include RBC, PCV, Hb, MVC, WBC, Na⁺, K⁺, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALP, GPT and GGT.

Keywords: Diurnal variation; blood picture; chicken.