Influence of Seasons on Haematological Indices of Apparently Healthy One-humped Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Maiduguri, Nigeria
T. N. C. Egbe-Nwiyi
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
D. L. Mohzo *
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Y. Abba
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
J. J. Gadzama
Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
M. N. Onuoha
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, PMB 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
K. U. Ezema
University of Maiduguri Veterinary Teaching Hospital, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In Nigeria, camels are typically found in the arid zones and the Sudan savannah regions. The cellular components of blood—erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes—are influenced by factors such as age, sex, breed, health status, weather, season, and nutrition. This study was conducted to determine the influence of cold and hot seasons on selected haematological parameters in apparently healthy one-humped adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) of both sexes presented for slaughter at the Maiduguri Metropolitan abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty (240) camels, comprising 120 males and 120 females, were sampled during the cold (November to February) and hot (March to October) seasons. Blood samples were collected aseptically before slaughter and analysed for total red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and total white blood cell (WBC) count. In male camels, the RBC, Hb, and total WBC concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) during the cold season than the hot season. In female camels, only the WBC concentration was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the cold season. The PCV values were comparable (p>0.05) between seasons in both sexes. Similarly, in female camels, RBC and Hb values showed no significant seasonal variation (p>0.05).
In conclusion, RBC, Hb, and WBC concentrations were higher during the cold season in male camels, whereas only WBC counts were higher in females. PCV remained stable across seasons in both sexes. Nutritional status, geographical location, and climatic conditions may contribute to these variations. This study provides significant insights for establishing reliable haematological baseline data for camels in this region. Nutritional status and geographical and climatic conditions might have contributed to the variations in these values. The present study is significant in guiding researchers in establishing reliable haematological baseline data for camels in this region.
Keywords: Season, camels, sex, haematological value, Maiduguri