Haematological Studies in Chicken and A Group of Birds

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

Research Paper
HAEMATOLOGICAL STUDIES IN CHICKEN AND A GROUP OF BIRDS

Md. Ashraful Kabir

Department of Biology Holy Land College Uttar Balubari Dinajpur 5200
Bangladesh

Abstract
Of the haematological parameters, the highest haemoglobin (%) was found in Indigenous (10.86±0.54) and the
lowest in Broiler (7.70±1.10) and the haematological parameter was the highest in Northern pintail duck
(17.15±0.57) and the lowest in goose (10.32±1.17). Total leucocyte count (TLC per mm3) was the highest in
Sonali (20240±3934.80) and the lowest in Indigenous (11420±1214.54); the highest in goose (18150±7769.35)
and the lowest in pintail duck (10094±100.36). Lymphocytes were the highest in Fayoumi (72.90±6.97) and the
lowest in Sonali (56.10±4.77); the highest and lowest values in other birds were in duck (72.60±3.66) and goose
(47±15.60). The highest neutrophils were recorded in Sonali (44.70±5.12/100 cells) and the lowest in Fayoumi
(30.60±5.50); the highest in goose (52±22.10) and the lowest in quail (20.20±2.04). Eosinophils were the
highest in Indigenous (12.40±8.64) and the lowest in Sonali (0.20±0.42%); and the highest in quail (7.90±2.33)
and the lowest in goose (0.80±1.14). The percentage of monocytes were the highest in ISA Brown (6.60±3.27)
and the lowest in Fayoumi (0.40±0.52%) and the highest in pigeon (6.60±1.51) and the lowest in pintail duck
(1.60±0.52). Finally the basophils were the highest in Broiler and goose (0.20±0.42) whereas other breeds
lacked them altogether. Significant correlations existed between haemoglobin and TLC in Broiler, TLC and
lymphocytes in Broiler and ISA Brown (P<0.05) and haemoglobin and TLC in dove (P<0.05). The ultimate
objective of the work is to identify the blood components which is important to detect the causes of the diseases.

Key words: Haematology, poultry.

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Volume 1 Issue 1 2012

INTRODUCTION
Blood chemistry refers to the chemical
composition of blood which is important for
detecting any blood disease of the animals as
well as birds. In haematological studies such
common parameters as the haemoglobin
percentage, total leucocyte counts (TLC),
differential leucocyte counts such as the
numbers
of
lymphocytes,
monocytes,
eopsinophils, basophils and neutrophils
(heterophils) are usually estimated. For
comparison of the blood parameters of the birds
we can easily understand which species or
varieties are susceptible to any diseases. On the
other hand which varieties are good for farming
and disease resistance this study is important.
Haematology is a branch of biological science
which deals with the diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of diseases of the blood and bone
marrow as well as of the immunologic,
haemostatic
and
vascular
systems.
Haematological values birds are influenced by
age, sex, breed, climate, geographical location,
season, day length, time of day, nutritional
value, life habit of the species, present statues
of the individual and such other some
physiological factors6. Avian haematology has
been used in ornithological, biological,
pathological, ecological, physiological and
behavioural studies, and is very important to
scientific observe the pathogens in the blood for
the life processes of birds including poultry16,17.
Recently studies on haematological and
biochemical profiles showed no sex influence in

ostriches raised in southeastern Brazil4. No
significant differences in the average of total
leucocytes between male (72.75%) and female
Muscovy ducks (61.37%) was observed while
lower basophils was recorded for the male
Muscovy ducks (0.75%) than the female
Muscovy ducks (1.5%)21. The number of
lymphocytes of poultry decreased at high
temperatures whereas other types of leukocytes
did not suffer influence of temperature14.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Collection of blood
Blood from 11 live poultry for 10 replications
from the open market and for study some birds
were kept in experimental cage with actual
room temperature and humidity. For the
haematological tests blood were collected
mostly from the brachial vein or occasionally
from wing, jugular and cutaneous veins. First
clean the needle and syringe by heat and then
cleaning site of the blood collection by rubbing
sprit and maintained first very carefully on skin.
For this sterilized cotton and spirit were used
and for blood collection 3 cc syringe of 22-26
gauze and 1 inch of needle also used for every 2
cc blood. This study was conducted from 20102011.
Precautions for the blood analyses
During the collection of blood from birds’
footwear, masks and disposable hand gloves
used. Needles were changed between birds and
equipment for blood collecting clean between
birds. No more than 5 ml blood was taken per
bird in a day. After each handling of birds,

31



hands and exposed body parts washed
thoroughly with soap and water
Haemoglobin percentage:
One drop (20 ml) blood was added to 5 ml
Cyanomath darking solution and waited for 5
minutes; Aqua or distilled water was adjusted in
a test tube up to 0 reading; Reagent number was
put in a test tube then in chlorometer for
reading and finally, calibration chart was
consulted for the detection of haemoglobin
percentage by the following formula:
Reading×0.4 = ----mg/dl×6.25%.
Total leucocyte counts:
Fresh blood was taken up to 0.5 mark level in a
WBC diluting pipette; Tuerk’s fluid was suck
up to 11 mark shifting the blood from the stem
to the bulb of the WBC pipette; mechanical
pipette was shaken thoroughly by holding the
pipette in between the index finger and thumb;
On a cleaned Neubaur counting chamber, a
drop of diluted blood was placed, to which 2-3
drops of fluid were added. Then the blood
sample was covered with a cover slip; The cells
were stabilized for 1 to 2 minutes; The blood
sample was placed on a haemocytometer and
the white blood cells in each mm2 area were
counted under low magnification (×10); and
Total white blood cells were determined by a
manual method using haemacytometer5. One
drop of blood was deposited or smeared on one
end of the slide; the spreader with smooth edge
and cut corner was selected; The spreader was
kept over the slide at an angle of 30 to 45°,
greater angle thicker would be for smear; The

spreader was moved rapidly in the opposite
direction to achieve blood over the slide in a
thin film; The slide was waved in the air for
drying; Leishman reagent was used to shorten
the staining period within 2 to 3 minutes; The
golden layer was washed off and the stain was
diluted with tap or distilled water for removing
the excess stains; The smear was dried in the air
for 10 minutes; Finally a drop of oil immersion
or liquid paraffin was placed on the slide, which
was then focused under the microscope at ×40
Statistical analyses
Mean of 10 replications, standard deviation
(SD), analysis of variance (ANOVA), least
significant differences (LSD) and co-efficient
of correlation values (r) were computed using
SPSS (version 11.0 for Windows). Data on
various haematological profiles were subject to
these statistical procedures to detect the
significance of difference between the genetic
groups of chicken under study.
RESULTS
Migratory pintail duck carries the highest
haemoglobin and broiler shows the lowest.
Body defence mechanism which control by
lymphocytes of the white blood corpuscles was
highest in Fayoumi and the lowest in Goose.
The correlation between haemoglobin and total
leucocyte was significant in Broiler and dove
and total leucocyte and lymphocyte in broiler
and ISA. Findings suggest that migratory duck
has more defence power and susceptible to
diseases in nature and broiler not shows good
immunity. Broiler breed reared by providing

32



huge mixed and standard food so that it shows
correlation
between
haemoglobin
and
lymphocyte and layer breed ISA brown was the
same. Study was conducted among 9 pure breed

of chicken (Indigenous, RIR, Fayoumi, Sonali,
Goose, Duck, Migratory duck, Pigeon, Dove
and Quail), 1 hybrid (broiler) and 1 cross bred
(Sonali=RIR♂ í Fayoumi♀).

Table 1. Haematological parameters in chicken and other breeds
Chicken
breeds

Hb%

TLC

L%

N%

E%

M%

B%

Indigenous

10.86±0.54a

11420±1214.54f

67.90±5.30a

30.80±18.16a

12.40±8.64a

2±0.00ac

0±0.00a

Broiler

7.70±1.10c

14940±3439.38ef

56.10±16.66b

39.40±17.03a

1.50±1.18b

3.20±3.36a

0.20±0. 42
a

ISA
Brown

9.44±1.85b

18910±1278.41abe

61.90±3.14ab

31.60±3.41a

0.80±0.63bc

6.60±3.27b

0±0.00a

Fayoumi

9.750±0.37ab

19822±4052.32ac

72.90±6.97a

30.60±5.50a

0.70±0.68bd

0.40±0.52c

0±0.00a

Sonali

10.230±2.40a

20240±3934.80bcd

56.10±4.77b

44.70±5.12a

0.20±0.42be

0.90±0.88ac

0±0.00a

Goose

10.32±1.17c

18150±7769.35a

47±15.60c

52±22.10a

0.80±1.14a

5.20±3.94ab

0.20±0.42a

Duck

10.38±0.65c

12310±1071.29b

72.60±3.66 b

20.20±2.62 b

5.10±1.91b

2±0.00c

0±0.00a

Pintail
duck

17.15±0.57a

10094±100.36bc

54.50±2.27ce

36.20±5.88df

2.80±0.92c

1.60±0. 52

0±0.00a

Pigeon

13.60±0.68b

11509±953.43bd

62.40±6.28ade

33.20±2.57cd

1.50±0.53ac

6.60±1.51a

0±0.00a

Dove

12.51±0.73d

11080±1285.65be

72.20±2.39bf

20.60±1.65be

4.80±±1.14bd

2.00±0.00cd

0±0.00a

Quail

13.13±0.22bd

11870±442.34bf

64.30±3.47abf

22.20±2.04bcg

7.90±2.33e

3.60±0.97bce

0±0.00a

cd

Hb= haemoglobin; TLC= total leucocyte count; L= lymphocytes; N= neutrophils; E= eosinophils; M=
monocytes; B= basophils; Mean±SD with dissimilar superscripts for each parameter in the same column
differ significantly by LSD (P<0.05)

33



Table 2. ANOVA table showing the haematological parameters in chicken breeds and other birds
Sources of
variation

Breeds

Sum of
squares

Degrees of
freedom

Mean sum
of squares

F-value

Probability

Chickens

56.62

4, 45

14.15

6.55

P<0.001

Other birds

317.42

5, 54

63.48

120.04

P<0.001

Chickens

57467339

4, 45

14366834

15.34

P<0.001

Other birds

41142788

5, 54

82285577

7.68

P<0.001

Chickens

2184.48

4, 45

546.12

7.06

P<0.001

Other birds

5029.33

5, 54

1005.87

18.92

P<0.001

Chickens

1611.28

4, 45

402.82

2.93

ns

Other birds

7746.93

5, 54

1549.39

17.11

P<0.001

Chickens

1085.08

4, 45

271.27

17.58

P<0.001

Other birds

347.88

5, 54

69.58

32.64

P<0.001

Chickens

244.48

4, 45

61.12

13.27

P<0.001

Other birds

206.20

5, 54

41.24

13.038

P<0.001

Chickens

0.32

4, 45

0.08

2.250

ns

Other birds

0.33

5, 54

0.07

2.250

ns

Hb

TLC

L

N

E

M

B

34



Table 3. Correlation (r) values in chicken and other breeds

Hb

TLC

TLC

TLC

TLC

TLC

vs.

Breeds

vs. L

vs. N

vs. E

vs. M

vs. B

TLC
Indigenous

.332ns

.408ns

-.309ns

-.236ns

.064ns

-.182ns

Broiler

.640*

.702*

-.618ns

.381ns

-.373ns

-.144ns

ISA Brown

.595ns

.732*

.076ns

-.139ns

-.607ns

-.003ns

-.227ns

.383ns

-.379ns

.085ns

-.004ns

-.435ns

Sonali

.589ns

.016ns

-.091ns

-.005ns

.522ns

-.021ns

Goose

.269ns

-.118ns

.159ns

-.065ns

-.311ns

.287ns

-.419ns

.379ns

-.124ns

-.554ns

-.554ns

.241ns

-.463ns

.335ns

-.116ns

-.239ns

-.587ns

.530ns

Pigeon

.237ns

.299ns

-.331

.143ns

-.068ns

.462ns

Dove

.691*

.258ns

-.076ns

-.160ns

-.432ns

-.432ns

Quail

.339ns

.135ns

-.414ns

.041ns

.203ns

.359ns

Fayoumi

Duck

Northern Pintail duck

Hb=haemoglobin; TLC= total leucocyte count; L= lymphocyte; N= neutrophil; E= eosinophil;
M= monocyte; B= basophil; Figures indicate r values;
vs.=versus; ns=not significant (P>0.05); *=P<0.05.

DISCUSSION
The haemoglobin% showed significant
difference among the chicken breeds. The
values for Hb and TLC differed significantly

among cocks and hens15. Ascending order of
the chickens haemoglobin percentage showed
that the indigenous breed showed highest values
of haemoglobin in the table, which possesses

35



similarity with the findings of 7, 19, 2, 3.
However, naked neck cocks were significantly
superior in haemoglobin to their normally
feathered counterparts12. The present findings
agreed with the findings of18 where age was a
factor. For lymphocyte and heterophil also
showed similar between different sexes7, 22.
There were no significant differences between
the genotypes in the mean values of white blood
cells in Nigerian indigenous chickens12.
Lymphocytes estimated in the present showed
similarity with the findings of 18 who showed
lymphocyte counts in Broiler agree with who
reported the value of lymphocytes in Fayoumi 3.
The neutrophil counts, showed similarity with
the results but different with 3, 7, 22. On the other
hand, the eosinophil counts were similar to 3 but
not similar to 22. The differential leucocytes
counts showed similarity with 22 but differed
from3, who reported a higher count of
monocytes in Fayoumi. The basophil counts
showed similarity with the findings of 3 but
dissimilar with 22. The haematological values in
birds other than chickens were comparable with
the works of1, 8, 10, 11, 13, 20. Another experiment
suggests that average total leucocytes between
male (72.75%) and female Muscovy ducks
(61.37%) was observed while lower basophils
was recorded for the male Muscovy ducks
(0.75%) than the female Muscovy ducks
(1.5%)21. Highest number of total leucocyte
were in Fayoumi and in goose and the lowest
were in indigenous which can be comparable to
the values of 9. A correlation study is important
to observe the blood values for similarities and
dissimilarities of the blood components among
poultry breeds.
CONCLUSION
Chickens are considered as one of the most

important and widely distributed avian species
having a very good source of animal protein for
human consumption. Haematological changes
in blood constituents are routinely used to
determine various environmental, nutritional
and other physiological factors and themselves
influenced by other factors such as photoperiod,
geographical location, social cues etc.
Determination of this profile of blood is a very
useful and rapid test, as it gives the veterinarian
an overview of how your animal body
functions. Changes in the blood components
can help a vet to diagnose diseases affecting the
liver, kidney, pancreas, or endocrine systems.
Moreover, managing abnormalities in birds
requires an understanding of how diseases
change the haematological function and
electrolyte of their bodies. Because the clinical
signs of illness in birds are frequently subtle,
clinical chemistry is necessary to evaluate
cellular changes 22. These analyses are
necessary to evaluate the structure and
enzymatic or hormonal functions of an animal.
During the study period the unexpected values
were neglected due to wrong result and
mishandling. Observed findings are related to
study further for the future. Actual values of
blood parameter is depends on temperature and
moisture of the laboratory and sterilized kits.
Acknowledgement:
This forms a part of doctoral work by the junior
author, who is grateful to the Chairman,
Department of Zoology, Rajshahi University,
for providing necessary facilities. The cooperation and assistance received from the farm
managerial bodies and poultry owners are also
thankfully acknowledged. The work was partly
supported by a research grant from the
University Grants Commission (UGC) of

3631



Bangladesh through RU.
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