Effect of Plasmodium species infections on packed cell volume of domestic chickens and helmeted guinea fowls in north eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Populations of exotic and indigenous domestic chickens and guinea fowls in northeastern Nigeria were surveyed for Plasmodium sp by examining their stained blood samples. The packed cel volumes of all blood samples were estimated. During the period of study (March to September 2006), raina data were collected. The prevalence of Plasmodium inecton in 575 domestc poultry examined was 9.4 % and the prevalence among the difference poultry types (exotic broilers and layers, indigenous chickens and guinea fowls) did not difer signiicantly (P > 0.05).There was a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between the monthly prevalence and ranfal wth mean prevalence hgher (P < 0.05)in the rainy than dry months. Packed cell volume (PCV) o uninfected and infected domestic chickens did not dffer significanty (P > 005), but the infected guinea fowls had lower (P < 0.05) mean PCV than the uninfected ones. In conclusion, Plasmodium sp infection was prevalent among the domestic poultry; and whereas the infection didnot cause anaemia in chickens, mild anaemia was observed in infected guinea fowls.

Keywords: Chickens, Guinea fowls, Packed cell volume, Anaemia, Plasmodium