Aspects of the Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Sahel and Sokoto Red Bucks at Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate effects of year, age, season and breeds on aspects of the hematology and serum biochemical indices of Sahel and Sokoto red bucks in Mubi, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Blood and serum samples were used to determine PCV, Hb, RBC and WBC, and while serum protein (BSP) and minerals respectively. There was no significant (p>0.05) differences between year x age in packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin count (Hbc) and protein but there were significant (p<0.001) differences in red blood count, calcium (Ca⁺) and iron (Fe) values of the bucks. Significant (p<0.001) season x breed differences were observed on almost all the parameters except Hbc, Mg and ABNTY. Sahel bucks recorded highest RBC (11.97±0.06 x 10⁶) and PCV (23.69±0.14%), in early dry season, while Sokoto red recorded the highest Ca (10.69±0.08 mg/ 100m), P (5.30±0.05 mg/100ml), Mg (3.23±0.09 mg/100) and ABNTY (0.04±0.03) during late dry season. During the same season, Sokoto red had highest number of ABNTY (0.03±0.03) cases. Sokoto red also had least RBC (10.75±0.06 x 10⁶) in early wet season, while the Sahel recorded low RBC (22.42±0.12 x 10⁶) during same season. It is concluded that year, age, season and breeds had great influence on hematological and biometrical indices of Sahel and Sokoto red bucks. And because of this, it may be difficult to formulate a universal metabolic profile test for goats in Nigeria. There is the need to establish appropriate physiological baseline values for various breeds of livestock in Nigeria.