Effect of lactation on haematological constituents in Sapera and Ettawa crossbred goats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the change in haematological constituents values during the lactation phase of Sapera and Ettawa crossbred goats. Eight lactating Sapera and nine Ettawa crossbred goats were used in this study. Blood samples were taken aseptically through the jugular vein. The mean of corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels of lactating Ettawa crossbred goats were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of lactating Sapera crossbred goats. There was no significant difference in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes (L), and neutrophils (N) levels (P > 0.05). It was found that MCHC and MCH levels in lactating Ettawa crossbred are significantly higher (P < 0.05)than those of the lactating Sapera goats. It indicated that lactating Ettawa crossbred goats have more maintenance or even higher oxygen carrying capacity that enhances oxygen supply for metabolism than that of lactating Sapera goats. Oxygen supply played an important role in the process of milk synthesis.