Hematological Parameters in Broilers Reared in a Closed Production Farm in the Low Tropics

Abstract

Hematology and blood chemistry are useful tools to establish a definitive diagnosis, to guide and explore the nature of pathophysiological situations that affect birds. Several diseases of poultry can change blood parameters, which are little studied in Colombia. This study aims to determine degrees of blood hematological parameters in broilers (1-42 days old) reared under experimental conditions. Blood samples were taken during the second, fourth and sixth weeks of age. Average results were: hematocrit (PCV %): 27.53 hemoglobin (Hb g/dL): 9.20 mean corpuscular volume (MCV fl): 43.10 mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC g/dL): 33.17 erythrocytes (Eri 106 μl): 6.98 leukocytes (Leu 103μL): 19.69 absolute relative values for lymphocyte (Lin %): 72.58 heterophile (Het %): 35 monocytes (Mon %): 9.8 eosinophils (Eos %): 17.8, and basophils (Bas %): 1.08. These results are within normal ranges, and present small variations attributable to environmental conditions and to those of confinement. Therefore, further studies are needed on this topic in the region.