Haematological parameters dynamics of developing <i>Gallus gallus domesticus</i>

Abstract

The blood parameters of 12 broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were determined at the ages of 1, 3, 5 and 7 weeks old, for follow-up of the developmental dynamics in their haematological profile. Blood samples were collected from chickens at 7, 21, 35 and 49 days intervals. Total number of WBC, RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC together with absolute count of differential leucocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes and basophils) was determined. Significant age effects (p<0.05) was observed on RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and WBC. With increasing age, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH and WBC increased significantly and RBC decreased significantly (p<0.05), while MCHC and differential leucocyte count had no significant variation (p>0.05). Advancement of age led to increasing body weight. There was a high correlation between body weight and some blood parameters of the broiler chicken. Weight accounted for 19.79 %, 11.87 %, 37.49 %, 36.09 %, 34.92 % and 25.77 % of the variations in PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV and MCH respectively. Age therefore has effects on the haematological parameters and also determines the body weight of broiler chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Keywords: Development, Broiler chicken, Haematological parameters, Age and growth