Bisoniana 108. Seasonal changes in the white blood cell count and blood cell sedimentation rate in the European bison Bison bonasus

Abstract

Two hundred and forty European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) were divided into 4 groups based on age and sex, and seasonal changes in the white blood cell count and blood cell sedimentation rate were studied. Seasonal cyclicity was found in the leukocyte count of mature cows (with the maximal point at the end of October) and lymphocyte percentage in young females (with maximum in mid-August). In the neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil counts, no seasonal cyclicity was found. As regards the sedimentation rate, cyclicity was found in young females and mature cows, after 60 min of sedimentation, with the maximal points in July and January, respectively.