HEMATOLOGICAL VARIATIONS IN INTACT AND SPLENECTOMIZED SOKOTO RED GOATS OF NIGERIA

Diurnal variations in haematological parameters were studied in five Sokoto Red goats before (April) and after (July) splenectomy. Blood samples were taken at 0800; 1200 and 1600 hours during hot, arid weather conditions. The packed cell volume (PCV) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 1600 in intact and at 1200 and 1600 in splenectomized goats when compared with PCV values at 0800. The extent of variation did not differ significantly between the intact and splenectomized goats. Therefore, it seemed that splenectomy did not affect the diurnal variations but time of day and weather conditions were important factors to be considered. Other haematological parameters studied did not show significant diurnal variations in intact and splenectomized goats. It was also noted that splenectomized goats had lower (P < 0.05) total white blood cell count at 0800 and lymphocyte counts at 0800, 1200 and 1600 when compared with the values in the intact goats. It is suggested that splenectomy perhaps removes a significant portion of the lymphoid organ system thereby decreasing the number of circulating lymphocytes.