Hematological and Cytometrical Parameters of Japanese Quails Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Temminck & Schlegel, 1848 as Per Sex and Different Stages of Growth

Abstract

This study delineates influence of sex and age on haematological and cytometrical parameters in Japanese quail. Sixty birds were sampled, out of which 20 belong to each age-group (chicks, growers and adults). Haemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count, Packed Cell Volume, Erythrocyte indices, Total Leukocyte Count and Differential Leukocyte Count for all 3 age groups and cytometry of blood cells for chicks were analysed. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume of chicks differs significantly with other age-groups at p < 0.01. Significant differences at p = 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 observed in lymphocytes, monocytes and Heterophil to Lymphocyte ratio between chicks and growers. Length, length to breadth, nuclear length, breadth, area and Nucleus to Cytoplasm of erythrocytes, length and area of lymphocytes, breadth and area of heterophils also vary significantly at p < 0.01 between Japanese quail chick male and female. Moreover, breadth of erythrocyte and length of heterophil differs significantly at p < 0.05 between two groups. Thus, age and sex influence physiology and hence haematology and may therefore affect egg and meat production.