Variations in Haematological Parameters and Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility of Pigs during Hot-Dry and Harmattan Season in Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Experiments were performed with the aim of investigating the effect of season on haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) of pigs. A total of 23 local pigs including males, non-pregnant and non-nursing females, aged 9 to 12 months were used for the study, ten animals were used during the hot-dry season and thirteen during the harmattan season. Blood sample was taken from each animal for the determination of EOF and other haematological parameters as well as total protein. The PCV value of 39.7±1.9 % obtained during the hot-dry season was significantly higher (P<0.05) than 32.00 ± 0.9 % obtained during the harmattan season. Total leucocyte count of 18,836.5±1727.1 obtained during the harmattan season was higher (P < 0.05) than the value 15,920.00±1119.1 recorded during the hot-dry season. The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio value was significantly (P<0.05) higher during the harmattan season, with a value of 0.61±0.0 than the recorded value of 0.43 ± 0.0 during the hot-dry season. The percentage haemolysis values obtained during the harmattan season at NaCl concentration of 0.5–0.9 % with a value of 92.03±0.02 % respectively were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those recorded during the hot-dry season. In conclusion, the haematological values showed that harmattan season was more stressful to pigs than the hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria.

Keywords
Pigs; Harmattan season; Hot-dry season; Haematological parameters; Erythrocyte osmotic fragility