Changes in the Differential Leukocyte Count in Newly Hatched Chicks Following In Ovo Ghrelin Administration

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigation on effects of in ovo administration of ghrelin on leukocytes count and heterophil/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio in hatched chicks. 250 fertile eggs were divided to 5 groups; control or group 1 (without injection), group 2 (in ovo injected with 50 ng ghrelin at day 5), group 3 (in ovo injected with 100 ng ghrelin at day 5), group 4 (in ovo injected with 50 ng ghrelin at day 10) and group 5 (in ovo injected with 100 ng ghrelin at day 10). After hatching and blood sampling, lymphocyte, heterophil, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil count and H/L ratio were determined. The differential count of leukocytes was done observing 100 white blood cells, after staining the glass slides containing the spread blood. It was observed that lymphocyte count was more in control group (62%) in comparison with injected groups 2, 3, 4 or 5: 60, 56, 58 and 53.6% respectively). In ovo ghrelin injection at day-10 caused increases heterophil, monocyte, and eosinophil and basophil number in comparison with control group, that higher dosage (100 ng) caused significant elevation. It was concluded that in ovo ghrelin administration during incubation especially at day10 and in 100 ng dosage can changes differential leukocyte count with increase heterophil, basophil and eosinophil counts and H/L ratio and decreases lymphocytes.