Erythrocyte changes, serum iron concentration and performance following iron injection in neonatal beef calves

The injection of iron-dextran into beef calves at an early age immediately increased values for erythrocyte (RBC) numbers, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), even though the calves were not anemic. There were no significant differences in average daily gain (ADG) from birth through 15 wk between those that were injected and those that were not injected. Hereford calves had lower values for PCV, Hb, MCH and MCV than Angus and crossbred calves, and both Hereford and Angus calves had lesser body weight and slower ADG than crossbred calves. Serum iron (Fe) concentrations were higher in calves born in the spring and pastured in the summer than in calves born in late summer and fall and pastured in the fall. The serum Fe concentration of calves at first sampling (during first week of life) was positively correlated with their weight at that and subsequent times to 15 wk. Mean corpuscular volume and MCH in cows before calving were positively correlated with the MCV and MCH in their calves at first sampling. Serum Fe concentration in cows before calving was negatively correlated with the ADG of their calves through 15 wk.     

果寡糖对固始鸡血液生理指标的影响

本试验旨在研究不同添加剂量的果寡糖对固始鸡血液生理指标的影响,并确定果寡糖的最佳添加剂量。选用1日龄固始鸡公雏150只,随机分成5个处理组,1个为对照组,其余4个为试验组,对照组不加果寡糖,其他4个组的果寡糖添加水平分别为3、5、7mg/kg和9mg/kg。测定红细胞压积(PCV)、血红蛋白(Hb)含量、红细胞数量、白细胞数量、平均红细胞体积(MCV)、平均红细胞血红蛋白含量(MCH)和平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度(MCHC)等指标。试验结果表明:1)21和42日龄时,果寡糖试验组的红细胞压积、血红蛋白含量、红细胞数量和白细胞数量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);与对照组相比,试验组的MCH和MCHC均略有升高,并且可以显著提高MCHC(P<0.05);2)日粮中添加5mg/kg果寡糖对提高红细胞压积、血红蛋白含量、红细胞数量、白细胞数量、MCH和MCHC具有最佳效果。     

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.     

The haematological examination of canine blood samples received by post: the influence of delay in examination on red cell parameters

The mean packed cell volume (PCV) for canine blood samples received by post was significantly higher than that for fresh samples, at each haemoglobin value over the range 9 to 19 g/dl. As a consequence the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) also differed. Apart from one Hb value there was no significant difference in the mean red blood cell (rbc) count over the Hb range 6 to 14 g/dl. It is suggested that the normal values for the PCV and MCV should be 3 to 5% and 5 to 7 f 1 higher respectively for postal samples as compared to fresh samples while the MCHC should be about 3 to 4 g/dl lower.     

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.     

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.     

Cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations in horses competing in cross-country events

The cardiovascular and metabolic response to two cross-country events (CC*: preliminary level and CC*** advanced level) were analysed in 8 male eventing horses (4 Anglo-Hunter and 4 Anglo-Arabian). This study focused on the establishment of the main metabolic pathways involved in the muscle energy resynthesis during the competitions. Heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the CC events. Jugular venous blood samples were withdrawn before the warm-up period, immediately after the competitions and at 5 and 10 min in the recuperation period. The following haematological parameters were studied: red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBC), and number and percentages of lymphocytes (LYM) and granulocytes and monocytes (GRAN). One fraction of blood was centrifuged and, in plasma, lactate (LA), total plasma protein (TPP) and the rate of LA disappearance were determined. The competitions induced significant increases in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV and TPP. Plasma LA response exceeded the anaerobic threshold of 4 mmol/l, reaching a maximum level of 13.3 mmol/l. HR ranged from 140 to more than 200 bpm, peaking at 230 bpm, revealing a limitation in the oxygen supply to the working muscles. It was concluded that muscle energy resynthesis during a CC event is provided both through oxidative processes and glycolysis with LA formation. Therefore, both stamina and power exercises are required for eventing horses.     

Comparison of haematological values in restricted- and ad libitum-fed domestic fowls: red blood cell characteristics

1. A haematological study of the red blood cell characteristics in domestic fowls fed restricted and ad libitum diets was examined. The characteristics included Hb (haemoglobin), PCV (Packed Cell Volume), Rbc (Red blood cell count), MCH (Mean Cell Haemoglobin), MCV (Mean Cell Volume), MCHC (Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration) and reticulocytes. 2. The investigation showed that Hb, PCV, MCH and MCV were all reduced when broilers were fed a restricted diet. The number of Rbc's in these birds also increased significantly compared with control ad libitum-fed broilers. MCHC and reticulocyte numbers did not alter significantly. 3. It is proposed that some of the red cell characteristics may be restored to within "normal" ranges by food restriction. However, the results did show that there was a tendency to induce a microcytic normochromic anaemia in these restricted-fed birds.     

Haematological changes in domestic fowl experimentally infected with the cestode Raillietina tetragona (Molin, 1858)

Haematological alterations in domestic fowl following three levels of infection with 20, 50 and 100 cysticercoids of Raillietina tetragona (Eucestoda) have been studied over a period of 8 weeks. The infected birds showed significant haemoglobin depression. There was no significant change in the packed cell volume (PCV), RBC counts or mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH). In all three levels of infection, the calculated mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased, while the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) decreased considerably. Macrocytic anaemia along with hypochromia could be noticed during different periods of infection. Total white cell count diminished significantly in infected birds. There was a significant lymphocytopenia concurrent with a significant increase in the percentage of heterophilic elements. Eosinophilia was not a consistent feature. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased significantly in infected birds. The changes in the blood picture were more pronounced in birds infected with 50 and 100 cysticercoids.     

Hematology in sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis Heude, 1884)

Blood samples were taken from 78 wild and 21 farmed sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) using ketamine-xylazine sedation during their excited (82 deer) and resting (17 deer) states. Red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was lower in excited deer than in resting deer. There was no significant difference in total leukocyte count (WBC) between excited and resting wild males, while a marked increase of WBC with neutrophilia was observed in excited wild females. RBC and PCV were significantly higher and MCH was lower in excited males than in excited females. In wild deer, WBC was significantly higher in females than in males, but there was no significant difference in WBC between farmed males and females. Sex differences in the hematological parameters were not observed in fawns (10 months).     

Effect of dietary iron content on hematologic and other measures of iron adequacy in dogs

Eighteen 9- to 10-week old Beagles were fed casein-based diets (4,710 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg of body weight) containing either 12, 80, or 160 mg of iron/kg of diet. Growth and feed consumption were monitored throughout the 47-day study. Hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RBC numbers, erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentration, serum iron concentration, serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum ferritin concentration were determined weekly. Growth rate and feed efficiency were not significantly influenced by dietary iron content. At 14 days, Hb concentration, Hct, MCV, MCH, RBC numbers, and serum iron concentration were significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in dogs fed the 12 mg/kg diet, and remained significantly low for the remainder of the study. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentration increased significantly (P less than 0.05) by 14 days in dogs fed the basal diet, and remained significantly high relative to that in dogs of the other dietary groups for the remainder of the study. Serum ferritin concentration decreased in dogs of the group fed the basal diet, with a significant (P less than 0.05) difference beyond day 42. Differences in Hct, MCH, MCV, or hemoglobin, serum iron, serum ferritin, or EP concentration were not found between groups fed 80 and 160 mg of iron/kg of diet. Liver nonheme iron content was significantly (P less than 0.05) affected by dietary iron content.     

Effects of age on erythrocyte magnesium,sodium and potassium concentrations in female dairy cattle

The effect of age on erythrocyte Mg, Na and K concentrations and the correlations between these parameters (EMg, ENa and EK) and other blood parameters were studied in female dairy cattle ranging from 1 week to over 8 years of age. EMg concentration was higher than plasma Mg, the concentration being highest in calves 1 week old and lowest in cows 3–4 years old. ENa and EK concentrations were lower and higher respectively in calves 1 week of age than in older animals and did not show any significant age variation in those between 1 and 8 years of age. The EK concentration was more highly correlated with erythrocyte parameters (PCV, RCC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC) than was either EMg or ENa concentrations.     

Effect of different dietary levels of Yucca schidigera powder on the performance,blood parameters and egg yolk cholesterol of laying quails

A total of 135 laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), 9 weeks old, were divided into three dietary treatment groups. Three replicates were assigned to each treatment group consisting of 15 birds per cage. The diet was supplemented with 0, 100 and 200 ppm Yucca schidigera powder and given ad libitum to the quails for a period of 14 weeks. Body weight, egg production, feed consumption and feed efficiency were not different due to dietary treatments among the groups. Increased egg weight was determined in the control group. Yucca powder supplementation decreased serum glucose, cholesterol triglyceride level in laying quails. Serum total protein concentration was not changed by dietary treatments but albumin level was decreased in quails fed 100 ppm yucca powder. Egg yolk cholesterol concentration was not significantly different among the groups but tended to decline (11.5%) as a result of yucca supplementation. Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were not affected by supplementation of yucca powder. However, haemoglobin (HB) concentration was slightly increased and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was significantly increased by 200 ppm yucca powder supplementation to the diet.     

The haematological and biochemical effects of the gastrointestinal nematodes prevalent in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central Saudi Arabia

Coprological examinations on 1200 Najdi camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the Gassim region of central Saudi Arabia between October 1992 and September 1993 revealed the presence of strongyletype, Nematodirus and Strongyloides eggs. In addition, examination of the gastrointestinal tracts of 240 camels slaughtered in different abattoirs in the Gassim region from March to August 1994 revealed 11 species of helminths. Infection with gastrointestinal trichostronglyes resulted in normocytic, normochromic anaemia. Adult infected camels showed leukocytosis, a decrease in total serum protein concentration and increases in blood urea concentration and in serum creatine phosphokinase activity.Abbreviations ALP alkaline phosphatase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - CPK creatine phosphokinase; epg, eggs per gram - GGT gamma-glutamyl transferase - Hb haemoglobin - MCV mean corpuscular volume - MCHC mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - PCV packed cell volume - RBC red blood cell     

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.     

Studies on the relationship between sway disease of bactrian camels and copper status in Gansu province

The clinical signs of camel sway disease in the Hexi Corridor of Gansu province were defined. The contents of eight minerals in soils, in forage and in the blood and hair of bactrian camels from this region were determined. The related blood indices were also measured. The concentration of molybdenum in soils and forage was 4.8±0.02 and 4.8±0.25 µg/g (dry matter), respectively, the copper to molybdenum ratio in the forage being only 1.3. The concentration of copper in blood and hair from the camels was 0.28±0.17 µg/ml and 3.50±1.00 µg/g, respectively. There was a hypochromic microcytic anaemia and a low level of ceruloplasmin in the blood. It is therefore suggested that sway disease of bactrian camels in this region is caused by secondary copper deficiency, mainly due to the high molybdenum content in soils and forage. The copper deficiency in the camels was aggravated during reproduction. Oral administration of copper sulphate can prevent and cure the disease.Abbreviations AKP alkaline phosphatase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Cp ceruloplasmin - Crt creatinine - DM dry matter - -GGT -glutamyltransferase - Hb haemoglobin concentration - LDH lactate dehydrogenase - MCH mean corpuscular haemoglobin content - MCHC mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - MCV mean corpuscular volume - PCV packed cell volume - RBC red blood cell count     

HAEMATOLOGY OF THE RACEHORSE: A Recent Study of Thoroughbreds in Victoria

ab>The study was based on 216 blood samples collected from 136 Thoroughbred racehorses in 17 stables. Lower variability in the population studied and lower means than in previous studies were attributed in part to measures taken to reduce excitement of the horses during blood collection. The demeanour of the animals during collection was assessed subjectively as placid, timid, apprehensive or excited. The five horses which became excited had significantly higher RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, total eosinophil count, serum total protein and probably lower ESR. Timid and apprehensive horses did not show these responses. Because of the location of eight stables, samples from them were stored overnight at 4°C before analysis. These samples had higher mean MCV, PCV, MCH, and serum total protein and lower mean MCHC. The likelihood of this arising from swelling and perhaps rupture of some erythrocytes during transportation and storage was discussed. Serum total protein estimates were within the range determined from other reports from horses of various breeds. However albumin and the A/G ratio determined by electrophoresis were higher, but comparable with two other reports from Thoroughbreds. In comparative studies on the estimation of A/G ratios it appeared that equine serum albumin determination was higher using the bromcresol green reagent than by electrophoresis. After eliminating 14 cases with abnormalities of the total and/or differential leucocyte count, parameters were calculated from 202 samples for the definition of normal ranges. The absence of skewness and kurtosis indicated that the individual estimates of RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, MCV and MCH followed the normal distribution and that the means and standard deviations were appropriate for defining normal ranges. With only ESR and TEC were the coefficients of variation, skewness and kurtosis so great as to cast doubt on the practical use of these estimates.     

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.     

互助八眉猪仔猪红细胞系统特性的研究

采用常规法对41头互助八眉猪仔猪7项红细胞指标进行了测定。结果：RBC,（7．05±1.44）×10^12／L;Hb,126．29±20．82g/L;PCV,0．42±0．060L／L;MCV,62．23±13．57fL;MCH,18．22±5．66pg;MCHC,298．38±39．21g／L;氧结合量,0．170±0．028L／g。且公、母猪之间的各项指标都没有显著性差异（P〉0．05）;八眉猪红细胞系统具有较强的携氧能力,适应高原低氧环境生存。     

Effects of dietary protein and stage of lactation on the haematology and erythrocyte enzymes activities of high-producing dairy cattle.

Blood samples were collected monthly over a nine-month period from 19 high-producing Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Dry cows on the lowest (13 per cent) protein ration had the highest mean values for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cells (RBC). Among the lactating cows, the group on the 13 per cent protein diet had the highest mean PCV, Hb and RBC values. Other constituents were not affected significantly by dietary protein levels. Packed cell volume, RBC, Hb, serum iron (SI), iron binding capacity (IBC) and serum albumin concentrations decreased early in lactation and rose to pre-lactation levels by mid-lactation. PCV and Hb concentrations remained low for periods up to four months. RBC count was lowest in the second month while albumin concentration was lowest in the first month and remained low up to the second month. IBC was lowest in the first month of lactation while SI concentrations were lowest in the third month. There were no significant variations in the activities of erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The 13 per cent protein ration had no anaemia-inducing effect on the cows.