Reference values of essential haematological parameters in Damascus does and bucks throughout the year

Abstract

This study was conducted on adult male and female Damascus goats to determine some blood components throughout the year. Twelve goats (4 males and 8 females), 2–3-year-old apparently healthy were used for one year. Jugular blood samples were collected once a week using vacutainers containing 18 mg K2E as an anticoagulant. Immediately after collection, samples were transferred to the lab to determine some blood components using Veterinary Hematology Analyzer. Overall means were: 17.09 ± 5.16 x 103/mm3 for White Blood Cells (WBC), 7.82 ± 2.85% for Lymphocytes (LYM), 0.98 ± 0.39% for Monocytes (MON), 11.16 ± 3.28 g/dL for Haemoglobin (HGB), 750 ± 319 x 103/mm3 for Platelet Counts (PLT) and 4.99 ± 0.38 fL for Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), with variations in the concentrations of the components among individuals. Results indicated statistical differences in the means of WBC, LYM, HGB, PLT and MPV between males and females, with no significant differences in the MON parameters. Results also showed statistical differences in the values of all parameters between winter and summer months in males and females, except for MON, where mean values of WBC, LYM and HGB with higher values in winter as compared to summer months.