Changes in haematological profile of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) induced by transit to pheasantry

The aim of this study was to assess haematological changes in hand-reared pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) transported from intensive housing facilities to a pheasantry. Selected haematological parameters were monitored in a group of 100 pheasants (50 males and 50 females) aged of 9 weeks that were transported for 4 hours by a covered lorry in crates, with a total body weight of 12 +/- 0.5 kg per crate (Group C12 - floor space: 290 cm2/kg) and with a total body weight of 18 +/- 0.5 kg per crate (Group C18 - floor space: 195 cm2/kg). Blood samples were taken from 10 randomly selected males and 10 females before transport (CON group) and 20 hours after transport (C12 and C18 groups). Examinations consisted in determining the total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, haematocrit values, haemoglobin levels and differential leukocyte counts, whereby the proportions of heterophil, basophil and eosinophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes of the total leukocytes were computed. The changes in the parameters of red blood cell count were manifested by an increase (P < 0.01) in the haemoglobin level, MCH (mean cell haemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell haemoglobin concentration) values and a decrease (P < 0.01) in the total erythrocyte count and haematocrit level in both C12 and C18 pheasants, when compared with the control group of non-transported pheasants. C18 pheasants exhibited also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in MCV (mean cell value) value. When analyzing differential leukocyte counts, C18 pheasants showed a decrease (P < 0.01) in heterophil counts and H/L ratio, whereas values in C12 pheasants did not differ from the non-transported control group. Individual counts of lymphocytes were decreased (P < 0.05) in C12 pheasants, whereas basophil counts were increased (P < 0.01) in both C12 and C18 pheasants. Total leukocyte count was decreased (P < 0.01) in C12 and C18 pheasants. In conclusion, the specific requirements of pheasants, as primarily wild animals, for the density in crates should be respected during transportation and they should be transported at lower densities than other poultry species, at least 290 cm2/kg live weight should be provided.     

The influence of age and gender on haematological parameters in Lipizzan horses

Haematological parameters [red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] in resting Lipizzan horses were determined for 143 stallions, 104 mares and 25 foals. The mean RBC and WBC values in Lipizzans were in the lower part of the normal range for warm-blooded horses. The mean PCV, MCV and MCH values were higher, but the mean haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were lower than reported for other warm-blooded horses. In foals, the mean RBC, WBC, PCV, haemoglobin concentration and MCHC values were higher, whereas MCV and MCH were lower than in older animals. Results indicating a significant decrease in WBC (P < 0.01) and an increase in MCV, MCH and MCHC (P < 0.05) with increasing age are consistent with some other reports on warm-blooded horses. The age-related variations in RBC and PCV were less marked. Contrary to some reports, RBC (P < 0.01), WBC and haemoglobin concentration (P < 0.001) were higher in Lipizzan stallions than in mares, but differences in MCHC, MCH and MCV were insignificant. The specific haematological values determined in Lipizzans are presumably a result of selection and should be taken into consideration when dealing with this race of horses.     

Haematological effects of 2‐phenoxyethanol and etomidate in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of handling alone versus handling under anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol or etomidate on haematological parameters in carp.Study designProspective, randomized, laboratory experiment.AnimalsSeventy-two juvenile carp (Cyprinus carpio) weighing 35.9 ± 10.4 g were divided into six groups of 12 fish.MethodsEither 2-phenoxyethanol or 2% etomidate were administered to induce deep anaesthesia (0.3 mL L⁻¹ and 0.6 mL L⁻¹, respectively) or deep sedation (0.15 mL L⁻¹ and 0.3 mL L⁻¹, respectively). Fish were handled with and without sedation. Blood was sampled at 1 hour and 1 week post-treatment. Phagocyte oxidative activity [nitrotetrazolium blue reduction test (NBT)] and differential erythrocyte [red blood cell (RBC)] and leukocyte (white blood cell) counts were evaluated.ResultsAt 1 hour after the induction of anaesthesia, haematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobin (Hb) were increased in fish anaesthetized with 2-phenoxyethanol, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) was increased in fish anaesthetized with etomidate. At 1 week, an increase in RBC, erythroblastosis, erythrocyte damage, lymphopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis and thrombocytosis occurred in both groups. Red blood parameters did not change 1 hour after handling alone, but after 1 week Ht, Hb and mean cell volume decreased, whereas MCH concentration (MCHC) and abnormal erythrocytes increased. Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, thrombocytosis and a decrease in NBT occurred. Fish handled under sedation showed an increase in Hb and MCHC followed by a decrease at 1 week in Ht, Hb and MCH, erythroblastosis and increased abnormal erythrocytes. Lymphopenia and neutrophilia were less pronounced than in fish handled without sedation, but a decrease in NBT was noted at 1 week post-treatment.Conclusions and clinical relevanceDeep anaesthesia with 2-phenoxyethanol or etomidate induced significant haematological alterations in juvenile carp. Deep sedation reduced the immediate immunosuppressive effects of handling but did not eliminate longterm effects. These anaesthetics should be avoided during experimental procedures involving haematological measurements. In contexts that require the short-term handling of carp, these drugs should be used with caution in view of their possible side effects.     

Effects of reduction in floor space during crating on haematological indices in broilers

In the perspective of animal protection and welfare, the most common and potentially the most frightening events encountered by the domestic fowl are procedures connected with transport. This study provides an evidence that reduction in floor space during crating, which is approximately 10% above requirements given to EEC Directives (accompanied with mixed social and heat stress due to high animal density), induces markedly elevated stress in broilers which is manifested by changes in haematological indices. The experiment was performed on ROSS 308 broilers (total number 70, mean body weight 3.05 kg). At 42 days of age, the broilers were crated for 2-hours either with reduction in floor space to 115 cm2/kg (S115) or 105 cm2/kg (S105) of body weight. The total erythrocyte and leukocyte count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, MCV (mean cell value), MCH (mean cell haemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell haemoglobin concentration) values were monitored and differential leukocyte count was assessed 20 h following crating. When compared with uncrated control, S105 broilers exhibited highly significant increase in haemoglobin level, MCH and MCHC values, significant increase in MCV values and significant decrease in total erythrocyte count. S115 broilers did not manifest any significant changes in haematological parameters compared with control. When compared with S115 broilers, S105 broilers manifested significantly elevated haemoglobin level and MCV values, highly significantly elevated MCH and MCHC values and depressed erythrocyte count. It follows from results that the reduction in floor space to 115 cm2/kg for 2 hours did not induce any significant changes in both total and differential leukocyte counts in blood of broilers when compared with control chickens. However, reduction in floor space to 105 cm2/kg resulted in highly significant increase in heterophil counts and subsequently also HLR (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) was significantly elevated. When compared S105 and S115 broilers, mean values of heterophil counts and HLR ratio were higher due to reduction in floor space to 105 cm2/kg. The differences, however, were not statistically significant.     

Haematological profile of crossbred dairy cattle to monitor herd health status at medium elevation in Central Himalayas

Haematological profile-haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total erythrocytes count (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte indices-mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were studied in crossbred dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian x Sahiwal) under various physiological states: non-pregnant heifers (NPH), pregnant heifers (PH), empty dry cows (EDC), pregnant lactating cows (PLC), medium yield early lactating cows (MYELC) and high yield early lactating cows (HYELC) during summer and winter seasons at 1700 metres altitude from mean sea level in the Central Himalayas. On comparison of annual means, the highest values of Hb and PCV were recorded in PH and of TEC in NPH, whereas the lowest values of these parameters were found in EDC. The Hb and TEC tended to decrease with increasing milk yield. Comparison of annual means of erythrocyte indices revealed the highest MCV and MCH in EDC, which simultaneously showed the lowest MCHC. Significant seasonal variations in haematological profile were recorded. The overall group mean (OGM) of Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.01) during summer whereas the TEC and PCV showed higher OGM (P < 0.01) during the winter season.     

The effects of automated plasmapheresis on clinical, haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables in horses

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of plasmapheresis on the behaviour, general condition, haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables of donor horses for 32 days following the procedure. Twenty millilitres of plasma/kg body weight were collected via plasmapheresis in six clinically healthy horses. The general behaviour and condition of the horses was not affected by the procedure. During plasmapheresis, there was a mild increase in the haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts (P < 0.01). The mean concentrations of total protein and albumin decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and total protein did not normalise for about three weeks. Several other biochemical variables also decreased significantly during plasmapheresis, but mostly remained within reference ranges. After plasmapheresis, the mean value of the activated partial thromboplastin time and the thrombin time were mildly but significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the mean activities of factor V, factor VIII and antithrombin decreased significantly (P < 0.01), although all coagulation values remained within reference ranges. Our results indicate that, in horses, the collection of 20 mL of plasma/kg body weight via plasmapheresis results in mild changes in several haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables, although these were of no clinical relevance for the donors.     

Effect of gender and exercise on haematological and biochemical parameters in Holsteiner horses

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of exercise of average intensity in the haematological and biochemical values, as well as acidic resistance of erythrocytes in mares and stallions of Holsteiner breed. A total of seventeen horses of Holstein breed (seven mares and 10 stallions aged 6 years) were used in this study. The blood samples were assessed for haematocrit (HCT) value, haemoglobin concentration (HGB), the amount of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), leucogram, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as oxidative stress biomarkers were analysed. Stallions showed a significant increase in leucocytes and granulocytes amount, as well as erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels after exercise test. Pre‐exercise level of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was higher in stallions. At the same time, mares showed significant decrease in platelet volume after exercise test. Physical effort in stallions leads to significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity. Trained mares and stallions showed a decrease in lipid peroxidation after exercise. Exercise also caused increase in oxidative modified protein of erythrocytes in stallions indicating by exercise‐induced oxidative stress. The resistance of erythrocytes in 0.1 m HCl was similar between females and males. No statistically significant differences in the percentage of haemolysed erythrocytes before and after exercise were observed.     

Variations in the red blood cell picture during growth of goslings and chickens.

1. Haematological values have been determined in 40 goslings, aged 6 to 42 d, and in 86 chickens, aged 1 to 57 d. 2. The erythrocyte number of goslings remained virtually unchanged with age but there was a decrease in the volume of circulating blood when expressed in terms of body weight. 3. In chickens the number of erythrocytes per unit volume increased with age but the size of the erythrocytes diminished with the result that there was an increase in the red blood cell total surface area per unit volume. 4. The haemoglobin content of chicken blood also rose but the haematocrit value and the mead cell haemoglobin concentration remained constant: mean cell haemoglobin decreased significantly. 5. It seems probable that the blood of goslings has a smaller oxygen carrying capability that that of the chicken and this might be reflected with their slower metabolic rate per body weight unit. There are only a few data available on the changes in haematological values of the domestic fowl after hatching (Lange, 1919; Sandreuter, 1951; Lucas and Denington, 1957; Medway and Kare, 1959) and virtually none for the goose. In this paper various haematological values for both species are presented for the first weeks of post-embryonic life.     

Haematological profile on non-lactating Mediterranean buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) ranging in age from 24 months to 14 years

Haematological studies were performed on 100 clinically normal non-lactating Mediterranean buffalo species ranging in age from 24 months to 14 years, to determinate the range of normal haematological values for this ruminant species. The animals were divided in 5 groups according to age: Group I, 2-3 years old which had never calved, Group II, 3-4 years old (primipara buffaloes), Group III, 5-7 years old, Group IV 8-10 years old and Group V over 10 years of age. All the haematological values obtained were comparable with the normal values found in adult cattle, and similar to those reported in Indian water buffalo species. The heifer buffalo showed an higher values for packed cell volume (PCV) compared with the older animals, but lower values for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) (P 0.01). In animals above 8 years of age, the white cell count was lower with a significant reduction in absolute values of lymphocytes (P 0.01). Higher absolute values of eosinophils levels was found in the group V (P 0.01).     

Studies on some paraclinical indices on intoxication in horses from freshly cut Jimson weed (Datura stramonium)-contaminated maize intended for ensiling

Monitoring of changes in some blood laboratory parameters in 34 horses after ingesting freshly harvested maize that was to be used for ensiling, heavily contaminated with young Datura stramonium plants, is described. For a 7-day period the following parameters were monitored: haemoglobin content (HGB), red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), differential white cell counts (DWC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), protein fractions, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB), blood glucose (Glu), total protein (TP), globulin (Glob) and albumin (Alb). The intoxication was accompanied by erythrocytosis, leukocytosis, regenerative left shift neutrophilia, lymphopaenia, eosinopaenia, increased haematocrit values, low erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hyperglycaemia, bilirubinaemia, hypoproteinaemia and increased activity of AST and LDH. No changes occurred in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), albumin, globulin and globulin fractions (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1, beta 2 and gamma). The blood parameters returned to normal between post-intoxication days 2 and 5. The observed changes in clinical chemistry indices could be used in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis of Jimson weed intoxication.     

Effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to access the effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven feeds formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (initial average weight 2.0 ± 0.1 g) stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (p < 0.5) between feeding groups. Mean values for haematocrit and plasma glucose were not significantly different (p < 0.05) among the feeding groups. Fish group fed control diet (containing highest inclusion level of fish meal and without magmeal) gave the lowest haemoglobin concentration (5.96 ± 0.22 g dl⁻¹). This value was significantly different from other feeding groups. Stressful conditions in fish and in mammals are associated with decreased growth, haematocrit (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin values, increased whole blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and plasma cortisol concentrations. No such physiological changes were observed in this study. Results suggest that feeding O. niloticus fingerling with magmeal diets did not cause any form of physiological stress. Magmeal can be used as a good alternative protein source in tilapia diets.     

Presumptive Babesia ovis infection in a spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

On December 29 1995, a 13-year old, male Spanish ibex was easily captured by hand, with depression, weakness and severe tick infestation, mainly in the periocular and auricular regions. Blood and serum samples were collected and haematological analysis and serum iron levels were determined. Red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased (macrocytic-hypochromic anemia). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were decreased and total and unbound iron-binding capacity were increased. Piroplasms were observed within parasitized erythrocytes and presumptively identified as Babesia spp. Ticks were identified exclusively as Ripicephalus bursa. The animal was treated with imidocarb but died after 15 days of capture. Histopathological examination revealed congestion of pulmonary capillaries and spleen, glomerulonephritis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and generalized hemosiderosis. An indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed using a Babesia ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen and the animal was positive with a titre of 1:640.     

Some Blood Parameters of the Yellowfish (Barbus Holubi) and the Barbel (Clarias Gariepinus)

Haemoglobin concentrations, haematocrit values, red blood cell counts, red blood cell diameter, white blood cell counts and plasma haemoglobin concentrations were performed on the yellowfish (Barbus holubi) and the barbel (Clarias gariepinus). Wide variations were observed in haematocrit values and haemoglobin concentrations and statistically significant correlations existed between mean corpuscular volume and average corpuscular haemoglobin and between the red blood cell count and mean corpuscular volume in the case of the yellowfish and between the red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration in the case of the barbel. It was found that the determination of one variable is not sufficient for the routine assessment of other haematological parameters in these fish due to poor correlations observed. This can only be done in the case of the variables mentioned.     

Changes in the blood biochemical and haematological profile of neonatal calves with age

Fourteen calves were used to investigate the changes from birth to 83 days of age in the concentrations of serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, beta-hydroxybutyrate, plasma cortisol, serum creatine kinase, creatinine, iron, plasma fibrinogen, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase, plasma glucose, haptoglobin, serum non-esterified fatty acids, total protein, transferrin, triglycerides, urea and gamma globulin; the haematological variables measured were: basophils, eosinophils, haematocrit, haemoglobin, lymphocytes, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, monocytes, band neutrophils, neutrophils, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. The changes are presented as a series of graphs and the values are discussed in relation to the published reference ranges for adult cattle. Two populations of calves were identified which gave rise to a bimodal distribution for some of the variables. Differences in haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts were apparent at birth, with raised values for these measurements being associated with an increased white blood cell and neutrophil count between three and 27 days of age.     

Haematological responses of repeated large volume blood collection in the horse

The haematological response of regular, repeated blood harvesting was investigated in 40 Thoroughbred and non-Thoroughbred horses that donate 8 litres of blood every 3 weeks for the purposes of commercial blood production. When this volume of blood was removed on five occasions over 12 weeks, no adverse effect on packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (HB), and red blood cell count (RCC) was observed. Although PCV, RCC and Hb values decreased during the first week after blood collection, followed by a gradual increase in values until the next harvest time, all values remained within published reference ranges. Derived red cell indices [mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] also remained within reference range. We conclude that the removal of approximately 8 litres of blood (approximately 16 ml kg(-1)or 20 per cent of blood volume for a 500 kg horse) from blood donor horses every 3 weeks allows time for adequate recovery of haematological variables and does not result in adverse haematological changes.     

Effect of ellagic acid on some haematological,immunological and antioxidant parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In this study, effect of ellagic acid on some haematological, immunological and antioxidant parameters in the blood and various tissues of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were examined. Four groups of rainbow trout were fed experimental diets containing either no ellagic acid (control) or supplemented with ellagic acid at 50 mg/kg diet (EA‐50), 100 mg/kg diet (EA‐100) or 150 mg/kg diet (EA‐150) for 21 days. Samples of the blood and tissue (liver, kidney and spleen) were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed for their haematological profile (the red blood cell count, the haemoglobin concentration and the haematocrit level), immune response (the white blood cell count, the oxidative radical production (NBT activity), the total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin level) and oxidant/antioxidant status (the malondialdehyde level, the superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity as well as the reduced glutathione concentration). The findings of this study demonstrated that ellagic acid had a positive effect on the haematological parameters, the immune response and the antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish.     

The influence of different lipid sources and levels on growth, body composition and haematology of Huso huso

In order to improve feeding and growth of juvenile great sturgeon Huso huso, the effects of various lipid sources in feed were examined. Three hundred juveniles (initial body weight 215 ± 10 g) were distributed into 15 flow-through 1100 l tanks (20 fish per tank). Five experimental diets containing various lipid levels were formulated: diet C (control; without added oil), SO(L) and SO(H) diets containing soybean oil concentrations respectively, (53.5 vs. 174 g/kg), FO(L) and FO(H) diets containing fish oil with low and high concentrations respectively (53.5 vs. 174 g/kg). Fish were fed three times daily based on their appetite for a period of 6 weeks. At the termination of the experiment, growth rate was improved with increasing oil content in the diets. There were significant differences in final weights among fish fed the different experimental diets. Lipid content of muscle and liver significantly increased with increasing dietary lipid levels for both soybean and fish oil. The lowest cholesterol level and the highest haematocrit value were measured in fish fed the FO(H) diet. No significant difference was found among dietary treatments in terms of triacylglycerol concentration, number of red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC). According to the most growth indices, results of this study suggest that the best results were observed in FO(H) which can be attributed to the greater palatability of diet containing high fish oil, supply of fatty acid requirement and enhanced physiological performance.     

Effects of tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia on plasma antioxidative status and some haematological parameters in sheep

It is not clear whether the anaesthetic agents tiletamine and zolazepam have antioxidant or pro-oxidant effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia on oxidant/antioxidant status in blood plasma and on haematological parameters in 10 healthy Awassi ewes. The tiletamine-zolazepam combination was administrated in a dose of 7.5 mg/kg intramuscularly. The animals were spontaneously breathing air during the procedure. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture before induction and at 30, 60, 120 min, 24 h and 3 days after anaesthesia. Malondialdehyde concentration, an index of lipid peroxidation, was higher at 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h (P < 0.05) than the baseline value in the plasma. The level of glutathione decreased (P < 0.05) at 30, 60 and 120 min, then returned to the baseline level. Beta-carotene concentration was lower (P < 0.05) than the baseline value during anaesthesia with the exception of its level at 120 min. Glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities decreased (P < 0.05) at the onset of anaesthesia, then returned to baseline values. There was no significant change in vitamin A level. Red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) only at 30 min and thereafter they gradually returned to the baseline values. Based on the results tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia seems to accelerate lipid peroxidation and to impair the enzymatic antioxidant defence in the blood plasma.     

The effects of probiotic and mannanoligosaccharide on some haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and probiotic supplementation on haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys. A total of 72, 15-day-old white hybrid converter turkey poults were used in this study. Poults were assigned into three groups, each group consisted of six poults and the trial was repeated four times. The control group was fed a basal diet without supplemented probiotic and MOS, and treatment groups were fed either 1 g/kg MOS or probiotic added diets. At the end of the 15-week treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine immunological and haematological values. The comparison among the groups showed that both the probiotic and MOS supplementation resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum IgG and IgM levels, and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the peripheral blood T lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control group. Mean serum IgG level (7.06 g/l) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in poults supplemented with probiotic compared with MOS (6.76 g/l). It was observed that the probiotic supplementation caused statistically significant increases (P < 0.05) in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values, but MOS supplementation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on these parameters. Total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by dietary MOS and probiotic supplementation. These results show that MOS or probiotic may elevate IgG and IgM levels in turkey. The MOS and probiotic that enhance immunoglobulin levels will have a more positive effect on growth performance, production and turkeys' ability to resist disease.     

The effects of the stress of long-term physical and psychological training on the red blood cell picture in dogs

The effect of the physical and psychical load of long-continued training on the components of the red blood picture was studied in thirty clinically healthy dogs of two age categories. The values of erythrocytes were found to be increased whereas those of haemoglobin, haematocrit and other components (MCV, MCH, BI, MCHC) were depressed. The effects are discussed of training, adaptation process, parasympathicotonic form of overload, and qualitative nutrition deficiency as a reflection of the studied training load as exerted on certain insufficiency of the desired formation of the red blood picture, and thereby of a possible adverse impact on the performance of the trained dog.