Breed-specific reference intervals of hematologic variables in Shami goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) with the possible effects of age and sex.

Abstract

Shami goats are an economically and sentimentally important breed of goats in the Mediterranean region. Shami goats are known for superior fecundity and productivity compared with other indigenous breeds. Shami goats also appear to be more susceptible to various infectious and production-related diseases. Therefore, the establishment of breed-specific hematologic reference intervals (RIs) is required. The objective of this study was to establish breed-specific RIs of some hematologic variables in Shami goats and to report the effects of age and sex on these values. A total of 100 Shami goats were used to determine the total red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV),mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), total whitle blood cell (WBC) count, absolute values, and the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (N/L), using traditional manual laboratory methods. Reference intervals of several variables in Shami goats were generated according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Females were found to have significantly higher RBC, MCHC, and WBC values, while males were found to have significantly higher MCV values and lower neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. Adult goats were found to have significantly higher RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, WBC values, and neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers compared with juvenile goats. Data presented here could be used as baseline information to evaluate the health status of Shami goats and assist in reaching a diagnosis for several pathologic diseases.