Lameness and its associated hematological features among Nigerian breeds of goats in Ibadan, Nigeria

Clinical lameness manifesting in various form is one of the commonest condition often encountered in Nigeria with its adverse socio-economic consequences. A total of 96 lame goats were sampled at the livestock markets, Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood samples were aseptically collected into well labeled heparinized bottles from lame goats with signalment such as breed, age, sex and level of severity classified and recorded appropriately. Blood samples were analyzed by adopting standard hematological procedure (manual counts). Lameness was highest in Red Sokoto goats 79.2% and lowest 8.3% in Crossed bred goats. Majority 66.6% were males and 33.3% were females. Lameness was more in young than adult goats, 2-2½year 41.66% and >4year 20.83%. Significant difference (P≤0.05) observed in the values of lymphocytes between breeds with higher values in crossed breed compared to others. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the values of RBC and platelet counts between age groups, with lower values of (7.13±0.39 and 3.82±0.2) respectively in adult goats. We therefore conclude that lame cross bred goats appeared more resilient with improved hematological features, significant reduction in RBC and platelet counts should be taken into consideration during management of lameness in adult goats in particular. Key words: Breed; Goats; Haematology; Lameness; Nigeri