Vol. 12, Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s):
V Thavasiappan, P Visha and R Anilkumar

Abstract:
The present study was carried out to determine the haematological characteristics of nondescript domestic Geese (Anser anser) at different age and sexes available at the Sheep Breeding Research Station (SBRS), Sandynallah, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. Sixty apparently healthy geese reared in semi intensive system under deep litter sheds of 1 month to 12 years age (30 male and 30 female) were randomly grouped in to five groups of 6 birds for each sex, viz. 1-2 months, 2 - 24 months, 2-5 years, 5-9 years and 9–12 years. The birds were allowed for grazing for 6 hours and fed concentrate @ 100 g/bird/day which was fed in the morning and evening. The data from the birds were collected on three consecutive days. Blood was collected from the wing vein before feeding. Each bird was manually restrained. The mean PCV, haemoglobin and TEC were significantly (p<0.05) higher in females compared to males at 1 to 2 months and 2 to 5 years. However these parameters did not significantly between males and females of the age groups 2 months to 2 years, 5 to 9 years and 9 to 12 years. The mean values of TLC was significantly (p<0.05) higher in males at all the age groups. No significant differences were observed in the erythrocyte indices and differential leukocyte counts between sexes in the any of the age groups. The present study evaluated the haematological values at different ages and sexes in the nondescript domestic geese. The results of this study indicated that different ages and sexes had a significant effect on PCV, haemoglobin, TEC and TLC but did not show any significant difference between the males and females in any of age group of birds in the erythrocyte indices, MCV, MCH, and MCHC.