I. H. Kubkomawa, M. A. Ogundu, I. C. Okoli and A. B. I. Udedibie
The objective of the study was to investigate seasonal haematological characterization of pastoral cattle in the guinea savannah zone of North-Eastern Nigeria. The data were collected using short questionnaires, oral interviews and field observations. The Red Blood Cell (RBC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were estimated by automated haematological analyzer. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in the mean RBC counts, PCV, Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC of cattle in the three locations. There were also significant (p < 0.05) differences in the mean RBC counts, PCV, Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC of male and female cattle, late rainy season and other seasons. But there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences in the mean RBC counts, PCV, Hb, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC in respect of Breeds and management. However, the overall results of the study fall within the normal reference values since animals are indigenous to the environment and were able to adapt to all the nutritional, environmental and management challenges. Therefore, haematological parameters are good indicators of ecological and physiological stress and help to understand the relationship of blood characteristics to the environment and so could be useful in the selection of animals that are genetically resistant to certain diseases and environmental conditions. Farmers could use this information to device methods of solving problems of lean feed periods and tackle parasitic conditions to improve production.
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