Haematological and serum biochemical responses of Jersey and three indigenous cow breeds at two physiological states in a humid tropical environment

Twenty cows of four different breeds (Jersey (4), N’Dama (4), White Fulani (4) and Sokoto Gudali (8)) were used to assess their haematological and serum biochemical responses at two different physiological states. At dry (pre-gestation) phase, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils were not significantly different among the breeds. However, Packed cell volume (PCV) of N’Dama was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than White Fulani but not significantly different from Jersey and Sokoto Gudali. Erythrocytes count of Jersey breed was not significantly different from White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali but significantly (P < 0.05) lower than N’Dama. Platelet counts of Jersey, N’Dama and Sokoto Gudali were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the White Fulani breed. Leukocytes count in Jersey was not significantly different from that of N’Dama but it was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali breeds. Lymphocytes count of Jersey, White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali were identical but significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of N’Dama breed. Serum biochemical variables were not significantly influenced by the breeds except glucose, total protein and globulin. Serum glucose was higher in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali than Jersey and N’Dama breeds. Total protein was also lower in Jersey than other breeds. Identical globulin concentration was observed between Jersey and White Fulani, N’Dama and Sokoto Gudali. At gestation, all haematological parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the breeds except MCH, MCHC, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils. The PCV was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in N’Dama than other breeds and erythrocytes was lower in Sokoto Gudali than other breeds. Haemoglobin concentration in White Fulani was not significantly different from Jersey and N’Dama but lower (P < 0.05) than that of Sokoto Gudali breed. Platelets count of White Fulani was identical with Sokoto Gudali and Jersey but higher (P < 0.05) than N’Dama. Leukocytes count was higher in Jersey and Sokoto Gudali than N’Dama and White Fulani while lymphocytes count was least in Sokoto Gudali breed.