Veterinary Archives, Vol. 90 No. 4, 2020.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24099/vet.arhiv.0696
The possible effect of gender and age on haematological and some biochemical parameters in donkey foals (Equus asinus) in Zaria, Nigeria
Idris Sheriff Yusuf
orcid.org/0000-0003-4739-4986
; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Samson James Enam
; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Raheelah Hassan
; Department of Biotechnology, National Animal Production Research Institute, Zaria, Nigeria
Taiwo Kamar-deen Bello
; Department of Biotechnology, National Animal Production Research Institute, Zaria, Nigeria
Courage Mendos Jocktong
; Department of Veterinary Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Abstract
In spite of the socioeconomic role played by donkeys in Nigeria, they are neglected in terms of veterinary care and veterinary research. Research on donkeys has been lagging far behind other domestic species of animals despite their prominent role in both rural and urban societies. This study was carried out to establish baseline haematological and serum biochemical parameters of apparently healthy donkey foals (Equus asinus) at the National Animal Production Research Institute Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 97 donkey foals between the ages of 4 and 9 months were used, comprising 34 males and 63 females. In general, a non-significant difference was observed in all parameters with the exception of red blood cell count (P<0.05). Packed cell volume, total white blood cell count, urea, creatinine, total protein, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase were higher in female donkey foals. Data from this study and additional studies with other breeds in other locations will enhance our understanding of the haematological and biochemical parameters in this species, and also serve as reference values for Equine clinicians.
Keywords
baseline; haematology; serum biochemistry; donkey; foals; age; Zaria
Hrčak ID:
245189
URI
Publication date:
22.10.2020.
Visits: 1.177 *