Effects of Sex, Pregnancy and Season on some Haematological and Biochemical Blood Values in Angora Rabbits

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of sex, season and pregnancy on some blood parameters in Angora rabbits. A total of 45 Angora rabbits (15 males, 15 females and 15 pregnant rabbits), weighing 3.6- 5.3 kg were used in this study. Blood samples were collected from female rabbits in January, April, July and October, and male and pregnant rabbits in January. Erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin concentrations of pregnant rabbits were lower (p<0.05) than those of normal non-pregnant rabbits, while mean corpuscular volume in pregnant rabbits was higher (p<0.05) than those of non-pregnant rabbits. Total leukocyte counts and lymphocyte ratios in pregnant females were lower (p<0.05) than those of normal non-pregnant rabbits. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the other haematological values between pregnant and non-pregnant rabbits. Total protein, albumin triglyceride, cholesterol, calcium, and (Inorganic) phosphorus were significantly lower (p<0.05) in pregnant rabbits than the other females, while the mean glucose level was significantly higher (p<0.05). It was determined that male rabbits had higher erythrocyte, haemoglobin and glucose values and lower total cholesterol level than females (p<0.05). Erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration of female rabbits were lower (p<0.05) in July, whereas hematocrit level and mean corpuscular volume were higher (p<0.05) in the same month. Leukocyte count and lymphocyte ratio were significantly lower (p<0.05) in July and October. Albumin level was significantly higher (p<0.05) in July. Sex and pregnancy as well as season variously affected most haematology and serum biochemistry variables.