Haematological Indices in Three Genotypes (Naked Neck, Frizzled Feather, Normal Feathered) of Nigerian Local Chicken

Abstract

A study was designed to evaluate the haematological parameters and body weights of three genotypes (naked neck, frizzled feather and normal feathered) of Nigerian chicken. Chickens were managed intensively for 2 months before blood samples were collected for analysis. Body weights and 2ml of capillary blood samples were collected from the right side of the neck of each bird into a syringe and collected in a test tube containing EDTA (Ethylene diaminetetra acetic acid) as an anticoagulant. These blood samples were taken to Animal Science Department Laboratory where haematological parameters in the 3 varieties of local chickens were evaluated within 2 days. Haematological parameters evaluated were Packed Cell Volume, Haemoglobin Concentration, Platelets Counts and White Blood Counts. Hematological parameters and body weights were compared between varieties using Multivariate General Linear model of SPSS version 7.0 for ANOVA. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Comparison of cockerels of the 3 varieties revealed that frizzled feather cockerels performed best in Platelets Counts (33.20x10⁹l), Haemoglobin Concentration (9.9g/dl), Packed Cell Volume (29.40%), ranked second in White Blood Counts (4.29 x 10⁹ml) and body weight (1.12kg). Naked neck cockerels had the best mean body weight (1.15kg), White Blood Counts (4.71 x 10⁹ml), ranked second in Platelets Counts (22.90 x 109l), Haemoglobin Concentration (3.82g/dl) and Packed Cell Volume (25.80%). Normal feathered cockerels performed worst in all the haematological parameters and body weight with the values of Packed Cell Volume (28.30%), White Blood Counts (3.20 x 10⁹ml), Platelets Counts (203.60 x 10⁹l), Haemoglobin Concentration (7.74g/dl) and body weight (0.91kg). There were significant differences (P<0.05) in haematological parameters and body weights among the 3 varieties of local chicken cockerels. Comparison of pullets of the 3 varieties revealed that frizzled feather pullets had the best Platelets Counts (30.80 x 10⁹l), White Blood Counts (3.64 x 10⁹ml), ranked third in mean body weight (0.98kg), Haemoglobin Concentration (8.05g/dl) and Packed Cell Volume (25.80%). Naked neck pullets performed best in mean body weight (2.43kg), Packed Cell Volume (29.80%), ranked second in Haemoglobin Concentration (8.91g/dl), third in Platelets Counts (29.00 x 10⁹l) and White Blood Counts (3.51 x 10⁹ml). Normal feathered pullets performed best in Haemoglobin Concentration (9.27g/dl), ranked second in mean body weight (1.01kg), White Blood Counts (3.34 x 109ml), Packed Cell Volume (28.30%) and Platelets Counts (29.20 x 10⁹l). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in haematological parameters and body weight of pullets in the 3 varieties of local chickens. Best results in haematological parameters were obtained from cockerels of naked neck and frizzled feather varieties. Generally, naked neck and frizzled feather varieties performed better than the normal feathered variety. It is recommended that the naked neck and frizzled feather cockerels be characterized, conserved and crossed with normal feathered pullets to enhance their haemtological profiles and body weights.

Keywords: Local Chickens, haematology, body weight, management, genetic improvement.