Mean haematological characteristics of healthy adult one humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) introduced into a sub-humid climate in Nigeria.

摘要

A total of 11 adult dromedaries introduced into a subhumid climate in northern Nigeria were bled monthly for 36 months to establish mean haematological reference values for the zone. The mean erythrocyte value was 9.37+or-1.07x1012/litre, haemoglobin 11.66+or-1.12 g/dl and packed cell volume was 29.97+or-3.37%. The mean erythrocytic indices were 32.24+or-4.68 fl for mean corpuscular volume, 12.56+or-1.72 pg for mean corpuscular haemoglobin and 39.16+or-3.18 g/litre for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. The mean leukocyte count was 13.41+or-2.82x109/litre, while the percentage distributions were 42.59+or-16.97% neutrophils, 54.00+or-17.22% lymphocytes, 0.63+or-0.62% monocytes and 2.77+or-2.67% eosinophils. The female camels had significantly (P<0.05) higher packed cell volume, neutrophils and eosinophils values, but lower total leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Dry season samples were significantly (P<0.05) higher in PCV and WBC values, while neutrophils and lymphocytes were higher in the samples collected during the wet season. It is suggested that the data obtained from the study can be used as haematological reference values for the one-humped camel.