HAEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL OBSERVATIONS IN APPARENTLY HEALTHY EQUINE SPECIES

S. T. GUL, M. AHMAD¹, A. KHAN AND I. HUSSAIN² 

Abstract       

    The present study was carried out to establish the haematological and biochemical values in apparently healthy equine species kept under field conditions in Pakistan. For this purpose, 415 blood samples were collected from horses (n=242), mules (n=20) and donkeys (n=153) kept in periphery of Faisalabad city. A detailed anamnestic and clinical assessment in the form of a questionnaire was designed for each animal with specific emphasis on age, sex, body condition and lactation. Blood samples were evaluated for haematological and serum biochemical parameters. In general, a non significant difference was noted in all haemato-biochemical parameters in relation to different age groups, sex, body condition and lactation in apparently healthy horses and donkeys. In a comparison between horses, mules and donkeys, a significant difference was observed in PCV, Hb, TLC and fibrinogen. PCV and Hb were highest in the horses and mules, respectively. TLC and fibrinogen were highest in donkeys.   

Key words: Haematology, serum biochemistry, horses, mules, donkeys.