Haematological and Biochemical Alterations in Pekin Ducks Affected by Short Beak and Dwarfism Syndrome: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Short beak and dwarfism syndrome (SBDS), characterised by growth retardation and short beak, is a contagious disease of ducks, caused by goose parvovirus (GPV). This study aimed to compare morphology and biochemistry data obtained from 4-week-old Pekin ducks naturally infected with parvovirus causing SBDS in healthy Pekin ducks of the same age. Materials and Methods: Forty Pekin ducks (twenty infected GPV and twenty clinically healthy controls) were examined. Measurement of the beak and metatarsus and histopathological examination were conducted, and blood morphological and biochemical analyses were performed for each individual. Results: Statistically significant increases in the SBDS group were observed in white blood cells (WBCs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin levels, while decreases were noted in non-organic phosphorus, potassium, and amylase levels. ALP in the control group was 465.70 ± 161.49, while in the SBDS group it was 353.68 ± 79.97 (p ˂ 0.006). 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid-(6′-methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase marker offered a refined gauge for pancreatic function, with established reference values for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the unique impact of GPV on the skeletal system of Pekin ducks, revealing significant insights into the mechanisms of SBDS without osteitis. Additionally, this work offers groundbreaking insights into the morphological and biochemical alterations in the blood during SBDS, establishing normative haematological and biochemical indices for Pekin ducks. It also introduces the DGGR lipase marker as a refined marker for pancreatic function for the healthy control group set at 14.95 ± 4.27 U/L. It highlights the role of ALP in ensuring proper bone growth and the need for ongoing research on its activity in the context of viral infections.