Haematological parameters in relation to age, sex and body weight of free-range village chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Maiduguri, Nigeria

The haematology of animals including chickens is an important indicator of their health status. It is therefore considered a useful tool in clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the haematological parameters of apparently healthy free range domesticated chickens as influenced by their sex, age and body weights. Blood samples taken from the jugular veins were analysed using standard haematological protocols. PCV, haemoglobin concentration, TRBC, TWBC, differential leukocyte counts, erythrocytes indices (MCV, MCHC and MCH) were measured. The study showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) age-dependent variation in all the measured haematological parameters. However, sex had effect on PCV, TRBC and heterophil count. Male chickens had higher PCV value of (34.4%) and TRBC value of (2.4 × 1012/L) as compared to female chickens with PCV value of (30.5%) and TRBC value of (2.1 × 1012/L). On the other hand, female chickens had higher mean heterophil value of (22.0 × 109/L) and MCHC value of (29.5g/dl) as compared to male chickens with mean heterophil and MCHC values of (16.8 × 109/L) and (25.7g/dl) respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in PCV with increasing body weights in males but not in females. The MCHC decreased significantly (P<0.05) as the body weight increased also in males but not in females. The results of the study indicate that sex and body weights influenced normal haematological parameters of apparently healthy free range domestic chickens in the study environment.Keywords: Age, body weight, haematology, sex, village chicken.