Comparative haematology of Vanaraja, Nicobari fowls and their various F1 crosses under hot humid climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Blood cell morphometry and leukocyte-thrombocyte profile of indigenous chicken Sikhar of Mizoram

The study revealed age-wise variation in size and number of blood cells of indigenous chicken. The size of erythrocyte was recorded highest at 4 months of age, while TLC declined gradually with age. Size and number of lymphocytes decreased in adults while the reverse was true for heterophils. TTC remained stable till 8 months and declined at 10 months while length and width of thrombocytes increased till 6 months and declined gradually till 10 months. Sikhar chicken appeared to possess characteristic blood cell size and number with the stage of life and different physiological state. Blood cells showed adaptive characteristics to altitude and management.

Sex-related differences in hemato-biochemical indices of adult Vanaraja chickens during summer and winter seasons

Aim:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in hemato-biochemical indices in male and female Vanaraja chickens under tropical environment during summer and winter season.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 120 day-old sexed Vanaraja chicks were selected as experimental chickens and distributed equally in two groups having 60 female and 60 male chickens in each group, respectively. The experiment was continued for 8 weeks (56 days) and both male and female chickens were slaughtered by cervical dislocation method. All parameters were estimated at the end of the experiment in both seasons.

Results:

Male had higher blood glucose, Ca and P level. Blood glucose level significantly (p<0.05) reduced in summer. Female had higher total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme concentration were significantly (p<0.05) higher in summer. Total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), Hb/lymphocyte ratio, and packed cell volume were significantly (p<0.05) higher in males. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular Hb were significantly (p<0.05) higher in females.

Conclusion:

Sex of chickens had a significant (p<0.05) effect on different parameters whereas season had nonsignificant (p>0.05) effect in most of the observed parameters. Hence, Vanaraja chickens are adaptable to local tropical climate and can be reared efficiently as backyard poultry.