HEMATOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ‘DJALLONKE’ SHEEP REARED AT EJURA SHEEP BREEDING STATION OF GHANA

Abstract

Hematological characteristics of sheep as examined in this study are essential for determining their immunity and survival. It also gives an indication of the physiological, nutritional and pathological status of the ‘Djallonke’ sheep. This study was conducted to determine the haematological characteristics of various sheep types reared at the Ejura Sheep Breeding Station of Ghana. The sheep types examined were lactating ewes, non-lactating ewes and rams. They were examined between the period of May 2015 - July 2015. The sheep were reared under the intensive system and were fed on the same diet. Haematological analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) among the sheep types examined. Total red blood cell (RBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) of non-lactating ewes were significantly higher (P˂0.05) than that of lactating ewes and rams. Total white blood cell (WBC) of rams (12.56 x103/µl) and lactating ewes (12.02 x103/µl) were significantly higher (P˂0.05) than non-lactating ewes (9.69 x103/µl). Haemoglobin (Hb) of non-lactating ewes (11.66 g/dl) and rams (11.37 g/dl) was significantly higher than lactating ewes (9.63 g/dl). The hematological parameters of the sheep examined were generally within the recommended range. Therefore, livestock farmers in Ghana can obtain healthy breeding and production sheep breeds from the Ejura Sheep Breeding Station.