Haematological Parameters and Factors Affecting Their Values

This article presents an overview of haematological parameters and factors affecting their values. Blood act as a pathological reflector of the status of the exposed animals to toxicants and other conditions. The examination of blood provides the opportunity to clinically investigate the presence of metabolites and other constituents in the body of animals and it plays a vital role in the physiological, nutritional and pathological status of an animal. Blood constituents change in relation to the physiological status of an animal. These changes are important in assessing the response of farm animals to various physiological situations. These changes are often caused by several factors; some of which are genetic and others, non-genetic. Age, sex, breed and management systems are among the factors that influence blood-based parameters of farm animals. It is important to establish baseline indices for these parameters on the basis of these factors and determine the effects of these factors on these indices.