Age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

Ochuko Orakpoghenor,Talatu Patience Markus,Ngozi Ejum Ogbuagu,Samson James Enam,Sunday Blessing Oladele,Paul Ayuba Abdu,King Akpofure Nelson Esievo

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07486

Ochuko Orakpoghenor, Talatu Patience Markus + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07486

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Journal: Heliyon	Publication Date: Jul 1, 2021
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Ahmadu Bello University

Abstract

In this study, the age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated. Sixty apparently healthy domestic pigeons comprising 30 young (2–7 weeks of age) and 30 adult (>7 weeks of age) were sampled from local breeders. Blood was collected from each bird via brachial venipuncture and divided into 2 parts; one part dispensed into labeled tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as anticoagulant was processed for haematological analyses. The other part was dispensed into labeled plain tubes, serum harvested and processed for serum biochemical analyses. Results revealed overall packed cells volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HGB) and red blood cells (RBC) of 42.97 ± 4.53%, 13.15 ± 1.82 g/dL and 3.63 ± 0.50 × 1012/L respectively. All haematological parameters except mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and lymphocyte count showed statistical (p < 0.05) differences between young and adult pigeons. Values recorded for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, serum/albumin ratio, urea, creatinine and urea/creatinine ratio were 4.32 ± 0.74 g/dL, 2.07 ± 0.30 g/dL, 2.25 ± 0.74 g/dL, 1.04 ± 0.43, 0.48 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 0.75 ± 0.52 mg/dL and 0.73 ± 0.51 respectively. Serum urea and creatinine concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in adult (0.62 ± 0.40; 1.04 ± 0.60 mg/dL) compared to young (0.34 ± 0.13; 0.47 ± 0.15 mg/dL) pigeons. This study therefore demonstrated age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons.

Highlights

Domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are subspecies of the rock pigeon that is believed to come into existence following prolonged domestication (Blechman, 2007)
The age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated to propel researches using these birds as experimental models
The values calculated for mean corpuscular volume (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were 120.9 Æ 13.41 fL, 36.49 Æ 5.11 pg and 30.28 Æ 3.70 g/dL respectively (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Domestic pigeons (Columba livia) are subspecies of the rock pigeon that is believed to come into existence following prolonged domestication (Blechman, 2007). The adaptations of domestic pigeons to life in the city have led to their abundance in urban areas and dependence upon humans resulting from conscious feeding by bird lovers (Bahrami et al, 2013). Due to their interaction with man and other animals, pigeons have been proposed as potential carriers of zoonotic disease causing agents. Due to the increase in the consumption of pigeons, there is need for assessment of markers that would be valuable in terms of production These markers include haematological and biochemical profiles as the blood constitutes the major means by which several substances are being transported in the body (Garraud and Tissot 2018). The age-dependent variations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters of domestic pigeons were evaluated to propel researches using these birds as experimental models

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