ISRAEL JOURNAL OF
VETERINARY MEDICINE
HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN THE BLOOD OF
ONE DAY OLD OSTRICHES
Raukar, J. and Simpraga, M.
The Institute of Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts,
Vol. 60 (4) 2005 Gunduliceva 24, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Total erythrocyte count (TRBC), hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, hematocrit
(Hct), mean corpuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and total leukocyte count are
determined in blood of ten one - day old ostriches. Percent heterophils, percent
lymhocytes, percent eosinophils, percent monocytes and percent basophils are
determined. The following mean values of haematological parameters were
determined in blood of ten one - day old ostriches: erythrocytes = 1.62 x 1012/L,
hemoglobin concentration = 82 g/L, hematocrit = 19.96%, the MCV = 122.92fL, the
MCH = 50.68 pg, the MCHC = 412 g/L, leukocytes = 7.6 x 109/L, heterophils =
85%, lymhocytes = 11.2%, eosinophils = 0.3%, monocytes = 2.6% and basophils =
0.9%.
Results presented demonstrated that the age of ostrich has a direct influence on total
erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular values
(MCV, MCH, MCHC), total leukocyte count and percent heterophils, percent
lymphocytes, percent eosinophils, percent monocytes and percent basophils.
One - day ostriches had lower values for total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin
concentration, hematocrit, mean copuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and
percent lymphocytes than adults. Total leukocyte count, percent heterophils and
percent monocytes were the highest in blood of one - day old ostriches in relation to
older age groups of ostriches. Eosinophils and basophils were rare in peripheral
blood smears of 2 day old ostriches.
Introduction
Lack of published papers dealing with haematologic parameters in one - day old
ostriches was incentive to me to make this study. So the purpose of this study was to
determine in blood of ten one - day old ostriches total erythrocyte count (TRBC), the
mean corpuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC), hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration,
hematocrit (PCV/Hct) and total leukocyte count (TWBC). Percent heterophils,
percent lymphocytes, percent eosinophils, percent monocytes and percent basophils
are determing, too. Determining of haematologic parameters is very important for
health status and for prevention of diseases in one - day old ostriches.
Materials and Methods
Researches were carried out on 10 one - day old ostriches of domesticated subspecies
Struthio camelus domesticus from a private ostrich farm Noster d.o.o. in Hodoöan,
near Zagreb, Croatia.
Ten blood samples were taken by jugular venipuncture (1 ml) and were collected in
sodium citrated tubes on the same day. Thin blood smears of peripheral blood were
made for microscopic examination of blood cells directly from fresh blood for each
sample.
Blood smears of peripheral blood were prepared from a small drop of blood directly
from the needle and were made for each sample for determining total leukocyte count,
differential count and examination of leukocyte cell morphology. Laboratory
examinations were carried out within four hours of sample collection.
Haematologic parameters were determined Clinical Hospital Center, School of
Medicine, University of Zagreb at Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics,
Division of Haematology and Coagulation.
Total erythrocyte count (TRBC), hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, hematocrit
(PCV/HcT) and the mean corpuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC) were determined
by using the Abbott CellDyn 1700 hematology analyzer.
Total leukocyte count (TWBC) was determined by aid of hemocytometer by
Pappenheim method (May - Grunwald - Giemsa) (1).
Percent eosinophils, percent heterophils, percent lymphocytes, percent monocytes and
percent basophils were determined by microscopic examination of smears in
peripheral blood stained by Pappenheim method (May - Grunwald - Giemsa) (1).
Results were statistically analysed in computer statistical program the SAS Statistical
Software for Windows University Computing Centre - Zagreb (SRCE).
Results
Results of total erythrocyte count (TRBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hgb),
hematocrit (Hct), the mean corpuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and total
leukocyte count, percent heterophils, percent lymphocytes, percent
eosinophils, percent monocytes and percent basophils in blood of ten
examined one - day old ostriches are presented in Table 1.
The reported results show the following: the lowest value for erythrocyte count
was 1.56 x 1012 /L and the highest value was 1.68 x 1012 /L. The mean value
of erythrocyte count was 1.62 x 1012 /L and the standard deviation was 0.04 x
1012 /L. The median value of erythrocytes was 1.62 x 1012 /L. The coefficient
of variation for erythrocyte count was 2.47% (Table 1).
The lowest level of hemoglobin concentration (Hgb) was 77 g/L and the
highest level was 90 g/L. The mean value of hemoglobin concentration was
82 g/L and the standard deviation was 4.57 g/L. The median value of
hemoglobin concentration was 81 g/L. The coefficient of variation for
hemoglobin concentration was 5.55% (Table 1).
Values of hematocrit (Hct) were ranged from 18.6% to 21.5%. The mean
value of hematocrit was 19.96% and the standard deviation was 1.10%. The
median value of hematocrit was 19.85%. The coefficient of variation for
hematocrit was 5.51% (Table 1).
Values for the mean copruscular volume (MCV) were ranged from 119.1 fL to
127.9 fL. The mean value of the MCV was 122.92 fL and the standard
deviation was 3.48 fL. The median value for the MCV was 122.50 fL and the
coefficient of variation was 2.83% (Table 1).
Values for the mean copruscular hemoglobin (MCH) were ranged from 48.7
pg to 53.5 pg. The mean value of the MCH was 50.68 pg and the standard
deviation was 1.55 pg. The median value for the MCH was 50.3 pg and the
coefficient of variation was 3.06 (Table 1).
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels were ranged
between 395 g/L and 422 g/L. The mean value for the MCHC was 412 g/L,
and the standard deviation 7.85 g/L. The median value for the MCHC was
413.50 g/L, and the coefficient of variation for MCHC 1.90% (Table 1).
The lowest leukocyte count was 6.2 x 109/L and the highest was 10.1 x 109/L.
The mean value for total leukocytes was 7.6 x 109/L and the standard
deviation 1.25 x 109/L. The median value of leukocytes was 7.35 x 109/L, and
the coefficient of variation 16.45% (Table 1).
The lowest percent heterophils was 81% and the highest was 89%. The mean
value of percent heterophils was 85% and the standard deviation was 3.16%.
The median value for heterophils was 85% and the coefficient of variation for
percent heterophils was 3.72% (Table 1).
The lowest percent lymphocytes was 8% and the highest 14%. The mean
value for lymphocytes was 11.2% and the standard deviation 2.15%. The
median of lymphocytes was 11.5% and the coefficient of variation 19.19%
(Table 1).
Percent eosinophils ranged between 0% and 1%. The mean value of percent
eosinophils was 0.3% and the standard deviation was 0.48%. The coefficient
of variation was 161% (Table 1).
Percent monocytes ranged from 0% to 5%. The mean value for monocytes
was 2.6% and the standard deviation was 1.95%. The coefficient of variation
for monocytes was 75% (Table 1).
Percent basophils ranged between 0% and 5%. The mean value was 0.9%
and the standard deviation was 1.66%. The coefficient of variation for
basophils was 184.8% (Table 1).
Discussion
The lowest levels of total erythrocyte count (TRBC), the mean corpuscular values
(MCV, MCH. MCHC), hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration, hematocrit (PCV/Hct) and
percent lymphocytes were found in blood of one - day old ostriches in relation to the
older age groups of ostriches.
Total leukocyte count (TWBC), percent heterophils, percent lymphocytes and percent
monocytes were the highest in blood of one - day old ostriches relating to the older
age groups of ostriches.
In this study the mean value for erythrocyte count in one - day old ostriches was 1.62
x 1012/L; it was lower than in 4 to 5 months old ostriches (2), 5 months (3) and in 6
to 9 months old ostriches (2). Erythrocyte rates in examined one - day old ostriches
were lower than in adult ostriches (4,2,3,5,6,7,8,9).
The mean value for MCV in one - day old ostriches was 122. 92 fL; it was lower than
in ostriches of 1 to 3 months, 4 to 5 months (2), 5 months (3), 6 to 9 months (2) and
up to 20 months of age (6).
The mean value for the MCH in one - day old ostriches was 50.68 pg. It was lower
than in ostriches of 1 to 3 months, 4 to 5 months (2), 5 months (3), 6 and 9 months (2)
and up to 20 months of age (6). The results of the MCH rates were also lower than the
MCH values in adults (2,3,5,6).
The mean value for the MCHC in one - day old ostriches was 412 g/L. It was lower in
relation to ostriches up to 20 months of age (6). The results of the MCHC rates were
also lower in one - day old ostriches than the MCHC values in adult ostriches (6).
The mean value for Hb concentration in one - day old ostriches was 82 g/L. It was
lower than in ostriches of 1 to 3 months, 4 to 5 months (2), 5 months (3), 6 and 9
months (2) and up to 20 months of age (6). Hb concentration was also lower than in
adults (2,3,10,5,6,11,8,7,9).
The mean value for hematocrit in one - day old ostriches was 19.96%. It was lower in
reference to 8 to 26 weeks old ostriches (12), 1 to 3 months, 4 to 5 months (2), 5
months (3), 6 and 9 months (2) and up to 20 months of age (6). Hematocrit values of
one - day old ostriches was lower than in adults (2,3,10,5,6,11,7,8,9).
The mean value for leukocyte count in one - day old ostriches was 7.6 x 109/L and it
was higher than in ostriches of 4 to 5 months, 9 months (2) and up to 20 months of
age (6). Leukocyte counts in one - day old ostriches were also higher than leukocyte
count in adults (2,6).
The differential blood count was determined only in blood samples of six one day old ostriches (13). It was the reason why in this study we were able to compare only
the differential blood count with just one publication.
The mean value for heterophils in one - day old ostriches was 85% and it was higher
compared with one - day old ostriches (13). Heterophils in one - day old ostriches
were higher than in ostriches of 1 to 3 months and 9 months (2). The number of
heterophils in examined one - day old ostriches was also higher in comparison to
adults (2,13,14,5,6,11).
The mean value for lymphocytes in one - day old ostriches was 11.2%. It was lower
than one day old ostriches (13). Lymphocytes in one - day old ostriches were lower
than in ostriches of 1 to 3 months and 9 months of age (2). They were also lower than
in adults (2,13,14,5,6,11).
The mean value for eosinophils in one - day old ostriches was 0.3% as reported (13).
Eosinophils in one - day old ostriches were lower than in ostriches of 1 to 3 months
(2) and in ostriches up to 20 months (6). The number of eosinophils in one - day old
ostriches was higher in comparison with the number of eosinophils in adults (2,5) but
the number of eosinophils in one - day old ostriches was also lower in relation to
adults (13,14,6,11).
The mean value for monocytes in one - day old ostriches was 2.6%. It was lower than
in one - day old ostriches (13). Monocytes in one - day old ostriches were lower than
in ostriches of 1 to 3 months and 9 months of age (2). Monocyte count was also
higher than in adults (2,6,11).
The mean value for basophils in one - day old ostriches was 0.9%. It was lower
compared with one - day old ostriches reported by (13). Basophils in examined one day old ostriches were higher in reference to basophils in ostriches of 1 to 3 months
and 9 months (2) and up to 20 months of age (6).
Number of basophils in one - day old ostriches was also higher than in adults (2,5,6).
It was lower than number of basophils in adult ostriches (10,13,14,11).
Heterophils were predominant in one - day old ostriches. They were the first within
differential blood count in one - day old ostriches (13) and as in ostriches at the age of
1 to 3 months, 9 months (2) and in adults (2,10,13,15,14,5,6,11).
Lymphocytes were the second in differential blood count in one - day old ostriches
just as in one - day old ostriches(13). Lymphocytes in differential blood count were
equally presented in one day old ostriches as in 1 to 3 months, 9 months (2) and in
adults (2,10,13,14,5,6,11).
Monocytes differential blood count were equally present in day old ostriches as at the
age of 1 to 3 months, 9 months (2), and in adults (2,10,5).
Eosinophils and basophils were rare. A few eosinophils and basophils were hardly
observed in some peripheral blood smears. Percent eosinophils and percent basophils
have different values in published papers because they are presented in the lowest
number in differential blood count. They are very rare in peripheral blood smears of
ostriches from 1 to 3 months, 9 months (2), up to 20 months (6), and in adults
(2,10,15,5).
Qualitative and quantitative haematologic changes in ostriches depend on age, sex,
different physiological and pathologic status, stress, nutrition, the way samples are
collected and stored and on different conditions in particular geograhic areas.
Results of haematologic parameters in blood of ostriches should be strictly interpreted
because they are necessary for making proper diagnosis together with good anamnesis
and physical examination.
Increased total leukocyte count, higher percent heterophils, higher percent monocytes
and reduced number of lymphocytes in day old ostriches in reference to adults make
clear that they were stressed. Hatching and the way of taking blood samples evidently
caused stress that influenced these parameters. Recent investigations have
demonstrated that stress in ostriches plays important influence on differential blood
count and heterophil : lymphocyte ratios. Stress reduces heterophil: lymphocyte ratios
in ostriches (10,14). Percent heterophils increase with bacterial infection and with
stress in ostriches (10). Transport, new employees or visitors to the farm, weather and
other external factors can cause stress in ostriches (16).
Conclusion
The age of ostrich has a direct impact on total erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular
values (MCV, MCH, MCHC), hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, total leukocyte
count and on percent heterophils, percent lymohocytes, percent eosinophils, percent
monocytes and percent basophils.
Results presented in this study make evident that:






total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean
corpuscular values (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and percent lymhocytes are lower
in blood of day old ostriches in relation to the older age groups;
total leukocyte count, percent heterophils and percent monocytes are higher
in blood of day old ostriches compared to the older age groups;
heterophils take the first place within differential blood count;
lymphocytes take the second place within differential blood count;
monocytes take the third place within differential blood count;
eosinophils and basophils are rarely present in peripheral blood smears of day
old ostriches.
Research should be directed to ostriches in the youngest age because their immune
system is very low and underdeveloped and they are extremely sensitive to microbia
infections and parasites.
Acknowledgment
We express gratitude to assistant professor Sc. D. Renata Zadro. Thanks to her
support we carried out this research in Clinical Hospital Center, School of Medicine,
University of Zagreb at Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of
Haematology and Coagulation. We also thank Sc. D. Vesna Luzar - Stiffler nicely
because by her kind help results were statistically analysed in computer statistical
program the SAS at University Computing Centre - Zagreb. We are very grateful to
Zdravko Pandur, the owner of the Noster d. o. o. Ostrich farm. We thank technical
assistant from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb for collecting
blood samples at the farm.
LINKS TO OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE
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