Diurnal Variation In The Haematological Values Of The African Giant Rat (Cricetomys Gambianus, Waterhouse)

Abstract

The effect of diurnal variation on the haematological values of the African giant rat was studied by collecting blood samples at 4hrs interval (from 9.30hr to 5.30hr the next day) from 24 healthy adult African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse). The rats were divided into 6 groups of 4 per group. There was no diurnal variation in the values of RBC, Hb, MCH, MCHC and MCV. However, the PCV value at 5.30hr was significantly lower than the PCV value at 9.30hr (P<0.02) and 13.30hr (P<0.01). Also the WBC value at 21.30hr was the lowest value in the day. It was lower than the values at 13.30hr (P<0.05); 17.30hr (P<0.02); 1.30hr (P<0.02) and 5.30hr (P<0.01). The percentage values of neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil and lymphocyte were not affected by changes in the time of the day. However, the percentage monocyte value was highest at 17.30hr which was significantly higher than values at 9.30hr (P<0.05); 13.30hr (P<0.01); 21.30hr (P<0.05); 1.30hr (P<0.05) and 5.30hr (P<0.05). The results indicate that there were minimal diurnal variations in the haematological parameters of the African giant rats. This could be attributed to sustained activity of these rats throughout the day.

Keywords: African giant rat, diurnal variation, haematology

Tropical Veterinarian Vol. 24 (1 & 2) 2006: pp. 11-15