Morphometric Parameters of Erythrocytes in Juvenile Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata

Abstract

The morphometric parameters of erythrocytes in Mandarin ducks-Aix galericulata have never been subjected to study even though this species is common in aviculture. The aim of this study is to investigate the morphometric parameters of erythrocytes in juvenile Mandarin ducks. A total of 1500 erythrocytes obtained from thirty Mandarin ducks were analysed. The smears of the peripheral blood were stained using Diff-Quik ® stain method, and the length and width of erythrocytes were measured using ImageJ program. The average length of the measured erythrocytes was 11.879 µm. The maximal measured length of the erythrocytes was 16.049 µm, and the minimal measured length was 5.668 µm. The average width of the measured erythrocytes was 6.160 µm. The maximal measured width of the erythrocytes was 10.115 µm and the minimal measured width was 3.750 µm. In conclusion, knowing morphometric parameters of Mandarin duck erythrocytes is the first step in evaluation process of erythrocytes' functional state and health condition of an individual.