Effect of Sex and Age on Blood Traits of West African Dwarf Goat in the Humid Tropics
Abstract
West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (8 Bucks and 8 Does) at average age of 18 weeks were used for the study to determine the effect of sex and age on blood traits in the humid tropics. Blood traits measured were packed cell volume (PCV %), haemoglobin (HB g/dL), red blood cell (RBC x106mm3), total white blood cell (TWBC x103mm3), total protein (TP g/dL), blood glucose (BG mg/dL), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC). Data collected was subjected to Student’s t-Test analysis and Analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were significant (p<0.05) differences in the effect of sex on PCV and RBC at 22 weeks of age (WOA). There was high significant (p<0.01) difference on the effect of sex on MCH at 25 WOA. Blood traits of goats at 21 to 26 WOA showed significant (p<0.05) differences. There were increases in (HB) from 10.05-12.30g/dL, PCV (20.00-25.00%), RBC (5.83-7.41x106) and TP (6.64-7.36g/dL) from 21 to 26 WOA. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in HB with highest amount in week 22-26. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in PCV, RBC and TP values with WAD goats having the highest amounts at 23-26 weeks of age. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in TWBC across the ages. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in BG with goats having the highest amounts at 25 WOA. The study has revealed that sex and age have influences on blood traits of WAD goats in the humid tropical environment.
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