Haematology and clinical chemistry parameters in indigenous Mukota, Large White and Large White x Mukota crossbred pigs in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study was designed to compare blood parameters of three-month old, apparently healthy Mukota, Large White (LW) and LW ´ Mukota pigs. The blood picture of three- and six-month old Mukota pigs was also assessed. Red cell indices were higher (P<0.05) in the Mukota than in the LW and crossbred pigs, while the latter had higher erythrocyte counts. Platelets, eosinophils, band cells, total proteins and urea were higher (P<0.05) in the Mukota than in LW pigs. Albumin and urea levels were higher (P<0.05) in the crosses than in the Mukota and LW pigs. Further, it was observed that Mukota pigs had lower concentrations of alanine phosphatase (ALP) and calcium compared to the crosses and LW pigs. There were no sex differences (P>0.05) in the haematology and clinical chemistry parameters. Six-month old Mukota pigs had higher values (P<0.05) for albumin and ALP than three-month old pigs. It was concluded that reference values for exotic pigs are, therefore, not appropriate to use across all breeds, particularly for the indigenous pigs.


Zimbabwe Vet. J. Vol.33(2) 2002: 85-95