Seasonal Variation in Erythrocytic and Leukocytic Indices and Serum Proteins of Female Nubian Goats

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal change in thermal environment on blood constituents in Nubian goats under tropical conditions of northern Sudan at Shambat (16°N). The highest mean values of maximum ambient temperature (°C) were reported in dry summer, followed by wet summer and winter, while the highest values of relative humidity (%) were recorded in wet summer and lower values in winter and dry summer. The highest values of erythrocyte count, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) were during wet summer and the lowest values were in dry summer. The erythrocyte counts during winter and dry summer did not differ significantly, while the difference in (PCV) was not significant between wet summer and winter. The mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) were significantly higher during winter compared to wet and dry summer values. The total leukocyte count (TLC) was not affected significantly by seasonal change in thermal environment. The seasonal changes in the ratios of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils were not significant. The monocyte ratio was significantly higher during wet and dry summer, compared to winter value. There was progressive significant decrease in serum albumin level from wet summer, through winter to dry summer. The serum globulins level was significantly higher in dry summer. Key words: Goats Season Erythrocytic indices Leukocytic profile Plasma protein