The influence of hunting activity on haematological parameters of local dogs in Tabek Panjang, Baso, West Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether 24 hours after a physical activity such as hunting wild boars still has effects on erythrocyte counts, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit values of local dogs (Canis familiaris) in Tabek Panjang, Baso Subdistrict, West Sumatera, Indonesia. The study used ten healthy male local dogs, ranged 2.0-2.5 years old and 15-18 kg. The whole blood was collected 24 hours before and after hunting in all males, then it was analyzed by a veternary haematology analyzer (Exigoeos vet Boule Medical, Swedia) in the Balai Veteriner Bukittinggi, West Sumatera. Data was statistically analyzed using T test. The results shows that the average numbers of erythrocytes 24 hours before and after hunting is 6.05±0.67 x106 /uL and 5.15±0.79 x106 /uL respectively whereas the average haemoglobin concentration 24 hours before and after hunting is 13.01±0.40g/dL and 12.20±0.48g/dL. Meanwhile, the average value of haematocrit before hunting is 36.19±1.09% and it decreases to 35.43±1.14% after hunting. It can be concluded that there is a slightly decline in the erythrocyte numbers, haemoglobin concentration, and haematocrit values in local dogs 24 hours after hunting activity as a normal response of the body to maintain physiological conditions.