Pigs play a major role in socioeconomic life of the people; it serves as a source of income for rural population and fulfill important role in culture and food security. Fifty-one weaners were randomly selected at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age for analysis. Blood from the jugular vein of the weaners was taken to the laboratory for analysis. The leaukocyte parameters used for this study were White blood cell count (WBC), Lymphocyte (LYM) count, Neutrophil (NEU) count, Eosinophil (EOS) and Monocyte (MON) count) and Platelet (PLT) count. Data collected on these leaukocyte parameters were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while the means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that at 9 weeks of age, compared with the female hybrid, the male hybrid had higher PCV, NEU and EOS (33.12% ± 2.73%, 31.00% ± 3.37% and 0.38% ± 0.18% respectively) values, while the female NIP had higher WBC, LYM and MON (24.55 ± 1.09 × 10 3/μl, 56.00% ± 3.24% and 0.50% ± 0.50%) values respectively. At 17 weeks of age, the male hybrid had higher WBC and NEU (32.18 ± 1.92 × 10 3/μl and 32.38% ± 3.56%) values while the female had higher PCV, LYM, EOS and MON (42.50% ± 1.50%, 63.00% ± 5.0%, 2.50% ± 2.50% and 4.50% ± 1.50%) values. At 25 weeks of age, the female hybrid had higher values in all the parameters with the exception of NEU and MON where male had higher values. These ages can be used as criteria for selection for immunocompetence in pigs.
The pig population in Nigeria is about 7 million in 1997, where most of which are raised on smallholder farms [
The blood consisting of blood cells and plasma are responsible for transportation, regulation, protection and homeostatic functions in the animal body [
Fifty-one weaners, from breeding plan in
Age | Traits | Breed | |
---|---|---|---|
Hybrid | NIP | ||
9 weeks | *PCV (%) | 32.30 ± 2.45b | 40.62 ± 0.65a |
*WBC (×103/µl) | 25.64 ± 2.63a | 22.78 ± 1.09b | |
*NEU (%) | 27.30 ± 3.63b | 41.38 ± 3.01a | |
*LYM (%) | 72.30 ± 3.65a | 57.12 ± 2.87b | |
EOS (%) | 0.30 ± 0.15 | 1.00 ± 0.33 | |
MON (%) | 0.10 ± 0.10 | 0.50 ± 0.33 | |
17 weeks | PCV (%) | 41.90 ± 0.43 | 41.62 ± 1.34 |
WBC (×103/µl) | 32.96 ± 1.76 | 32.96 ± 1.72 | |
*NEU (%) | 31.90 ± 2.96b | 41.88 ± 3.68a | |
*LYM (%) | 63.10 ± 2.95a | 53.12 ± 3.97b | |
EOS (%) | 1.90 ± 0.90 | 2.75 ± 0.90 | |
MON (%) | 3.10 ± 0.6 | 2.25 ± 0.96 | |
25 weeks | *PCV (%) | 38.86 ± 1.26b | 43.88 ± 1.26a |
WBC (×103/µl) | 35.54 ± 1.87 | 37.70 ± 1.87 | |
NEU (%) | 32.43 ± 2.84 | 32.88 ± 2.61 | |
LYM (%) | 61.00 ± 2.59 | 60.38 ± 2.86 | |
EOS (%) | 2.00 ± 0.5 | 83.00 ± 0.95 | |
MON (%) | 4.86 ± 0.4 | 64.25 ± 0.50 |
a,bMean values for each trait along row with different superscript letters, are different. *Level of significance (P < 0.05). PCV―Packed cell volume, WBC―White blood cell, NEU―Neutrophil, LYM―Lymphocyte, EOS― Eosinophil, MON―Monocytes, NIP―Nigerian Indigenous Pig.
haematological analysis. Blood from the jugular vein of these pigs were collected into anti-coagulant bottles and
taken to the laboratory for analysis. The blood parameters taken were packed cell volume (PCV%) and leukocyte traits (white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophilic count (NEU%), eosinophil percentage (EOS%), lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), and monocytes percentage (MON%)). The PCV was determined using the microhaematocrit method while leucocyte counts were determined using the improved Neubauer counting chamber [
75 × 16 mm capillary tubes were filled with blood and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes. The haematocritvalues were determined with the aid of a microhaematocrit reader.
Blood was well mixed on a roller mixer and 1:20 dilution of blood was made by adding 20 μl (0.02 ml) of pigs blood to 0.38 ml of diluting fluid (2% glacial acetic acid in distilled water (Turk’s solution) coloured pale violet with 1% gentian violet) in a 75 × 10 mm tube. The suspension was well mixed and allowed to stand for 1 minute. The cells were counted in the four corner square millimeters of the charged chamber (Improved Neubauer counting chamber) under 10× magnification of a microscope.
Haematological data recorded were analyzed by using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT).
The means of leukocyte traits of hybrid at 9, 17 and 25 weeks respectively are as follows; PCV (32.30% ± 2.45%, 41.90% ± 0.43%, 38.86% ± 1.26%); WBC (25.64 ± 2.63 (×103/µl), 32.96 ± 1.76 (×103/µl), 35.54 ± 1.87 (×103/µl)); NEU (27.30% ± 3.63%, 31.90% ± 2.96%, 32.43% ± 2.84%); LYM (72.30% ± 3.65%, 63.10% ± 2.95%, 61.00% ± 2.59%); EOS (0.30% ± 0.15%, 1.90% ± 0.90%, 2.00% ± 0.58%) and MONO (0.10% ± 0.10 %, 3.10% ± 0.6%, 4.86% ± 0.46%). The mean for NIP at 9, 17 and 25 weeks respectively are as follows; PCV (40.62% ± 0.65%, 41.62% ± 1.34%, 43.88% ± 1.26%); WBC (22.78 ± 1.09 (×103/µl), 32.96 ± 1.72 (×103/µl), 37.70 ± 1.87 (×103/µl)); NEU (41.38% ± 3.01%, 41.88% ± 3.68%, 32.88% ± 2.61%a); LYM (57.12% ± 2.87%, 53.12% ± 3.97%, 60.38% ± 2.86%); EOS (1.00% ± 0.33%, 2.75% ± 0.90%, 3.00% ± 0.95%) and MONO (0.50% ± 0.33%, 2.25% ± 0.96%, 4.25% ± 0.50%).
The PCV was significantly different (P < 0.05) between hybrid and NIP at 9 and 25 weeks of age while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) at 17 weeks of age. The Leukocyte count, NEU and LYM, were significantly different (P < 0.05) between hybrid and NIP at 9 and 17 weeks of age while there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) at 25 weeks of age. It was observed that the LYM values for hybrid were higher than that of NIP while the NEU value for NIP were higher than that of hybrid throughout the ages considered (9, 17 and 25 weeks). This is presented graphically in
The effect of sex and age on leukocyte traits for the hybrid and NIP at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age are presented in
The PCV of female and male hybrid were significantly different (P < 0.05) from each other at 9 weeks (29.00% ± 4.00% and 33.12% ± 2.73%) and 25 weeks (42.00% ± 0.00% and 38.33% ± 1.38%) of age. Also at 9 and 25 weeks of age, the Leukocyte traits, WBC (28.90 ± 4.60 (×103/µl), 24.83 ± 3.15 (×103/µl and 41.00 ± 0.00 (×103/µl) and 34.63 ± 1.94 (×103/µl)), NEU (12.50% ± 1.50% and 31.00% ± 3.37%, 22.00% ± 0.00% and 34.17% ± 2.66%) and LYM (87.00% ± 1.00% and 68.63% ± 3.43%, 72.00% ± 0.00% and 59.17% ± 2.17%), were significantly different (P < 0.05). The female and male hybrid MONO (3.00% ± 0.00% and 5.17% ± 0.40%) and EOS (3.00% ± 0.00% and 4.83% ± 0.65%) were significantly different (P < 0.05) at 25 weeks of age.
The NEU and LYM of NIP females and males were significantly different throughout the ages except at 17 weeks of age where the LYM was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The WBC was also significantly different at 9 and 17 weeks while it was not significant at 25 weeks of age. This effect is presented graphically in Figures 2-4. The PCV and NEU values were higher in NIP males and females at 9 weeks but were comparable
Age | Traits | Female | Male |
---|---|---|---|
9 weeks | *PCV (%) | 29.00 ± 4.00b | 33.12 ± 2.73a |
*WBC | 28.90 ± 4.60a | 24.83 ± 3.15b | |
*NEU (%) | 12.50 ± 1.50a | 31.00 ± 3.37b | |
*LYM (%) | 87.00 ± 1.00a | 68.63 ± 3.43b | |
EOS (%) | 0.00 ± 0.00 | 0.38 ± 0.18 | |
MON (%) | 0.50 ± 0.50 | 0.00 ± 0.00 | |
17 weeks | |||
PCV (%) | 42.50 ± 1.50 | 41.75 ± 0.45 | |
WBC (×103/µl) | 36.10 ± 4.20 | 32.18 ± 1.92 | |
NEU (%) | 30.00 ± 6.00 | 32.38 ± 3.56 | |
LYM (%) | 63.00 ± 5.00 | 63.12 ± 3.61 | |
EOS (%) | 2.50 ± 2.50 | 1.75 ± 1.03 | |
MON (%) | 4.50 ± 1.50 | 2.75 ± 0.65 | |
25 weeks | |||
*PCV (%) | 42.00 ± 0.00a | 38.33 ± 1.38b | |
*WBC (×103/µl) | 41.00 ± 0.00a | 34.63 ± 1.94b | |
*NEU (%) | 22.00 ± 0.00b | 34.17 ± 2.66a | |
*LYM (%) | 72.00 ± 0.00a | 59.17 ± 2.17b | |
*EOS (%) | 3.00 ± 0.00b | 4.83 ± 0.65a | |
*MON (%) | 3.00 ± 0.00b | 5.17 ± 0.40a |
a,bMean within the same row with different superscript letters, were different (P < 0.05). *Level of significance (P < 0.05). PCV―Packed cell volume, WBC―White blood cell, NEU―Neutrophil, LYM―Lymphocyte, EOS― Eosinophil, MON―Monocytes, NIP―Nigerian Indigenous Pig.
Age | Traits | Female | Male | |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 weeks | *PCV (%) | 41.50 ± 0.65a | 39.75 ± 1.03b | |
*WBC (×103/µl) | 24.55 ± 1.09a | 21.00 ± 1.50b | ||
*NEU (%) | 43.00 ± 3.03a | 39.76 ± 5.59b | ||
*LYM (%) | 56.00 ± 3.24b | 58.25 ± 5.30a | ||
*EOS (%) | 0.05 ± 0.50b | 1.50 ± 0.79a | ||
MON (%) | 0.50 ± 0.50 | 0.50 ± 0.50 | ||
17 weeks | ||||
PCV (%) | 42.00 ± 1.08 | 41.25 ± 2.66 | ||
*WBC (×103/µl) | 30.88 ± 1.81b | 35.90 ± 2.54a | ||
*NEU (%) | 39.50 ± 5.62b | 44.25 ± 5.27a | ||
LYM (%) | 53.25 ± 6.97 | 53.00 ± 5.00 | ||
*EOS (%) | 4.25 ± 1.32a | 1.25 ± 0.75b | ||
MON (%) | 3.00 ± 1.73 | 1.50 ± 0.96 | ||
25 weeks | ||||
PCV (%) | 44.00 ± 0.41 | 43.75 ± 1.03 | ||
WBC (×103/µl) | 37.43 ± 2.96 | 37.98 ± 1.10 | ||
*NEU (%) | 28.75 ± 2.14b | 37.00 ± 3.98a | ||
*LYM (%) | 66.00 ± 1.58a | 54.75 ± 3.18b | ||
EOS (%) | 2.30 ± 1.32 | 3.50 ± 1.50 | ||
MON (%) | 3.75 ± 0.75 | 4.75 ± 0.75 |
a,bMean within the same row with different superscript letters, were different (P < 0.05). *significance (P < 0.05). PCV―Packed cell volume, WBC―White blood cell, NEU―Neutrophil, LYM―Lymphocyte, EOS―Eosinophil, MON―Monocytes.
at 17 and 25 weeks of age with those of the hybrid. The LYM values were higher for Hybrid males and females over the NIP males and females for all ages.
The significant variations due to age and breed were observed in this study. This finding was corroborated with Sutherland et al. (2005) [
PCV | WBC | NEU | LYM | EOS | MON | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PCV | 1.00 | 0.64 | 0.52 | −0.60 | 0.18 | 0.41 |
WBC | 1.00 | 0.15 | −0.33 | 0.31 | *0.58 | |
NEU | 1.00 | *−0.95 | −0.04 | 0.20 | ||
LYM | 1.00 | −0.21 | −0.25 | |||
EOS | 1.00 | 0.29 | ||||
MON | 1.00 |
*Level of significance P < 0.05. PCV―Packed cell volume, WBC―White blood cell, NEU―Neutrophil, LYM― Lymphocyte, EOS―Eosinophil, MON―Monocytes.
PCV | WBC | NEU | LYM | EOS | MON | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PCV | 1.00 | *0.36 | *0.02 | *−0.09 | *0.02 | 0.31 |
WBC | 1.00 | −0.18 | 0.03 | 0.25 | *0.46 | |
NEU | 1.00 | *−0.93 | −0.14 | −0.24 | ||
LYM | 1.00 | −0.15 | *−0.06 | |||
EOS | 1.00 | 0.20 | ||||
MON | 1.00 |
*Level of significance P < 0.05. PCV―Packed cell volume, WBC―White blood cell, NEU―Neutrophil, LYM― Lymphocyte, EOS―Eosinophil, MON―Monocytes.
*Corresponding author.
It was observed from this study that the NIP PCV and the WBC were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) where both increased with age while it was not for hybrid. The negative correlation between NEU and LYM that was significant (P < 0.05) in both breed was observed to be true in hybrid where the NEU increased, LYM decreased with age while in NIP as the NEU increased from 9 weeks to 17 weeks, it then decreased at 25 weeks; while the LYM decreased from 9 weeks to 17 weeks and then increased at 25 weeks.
The WBC that is higher than the normal value for all pigs (7 - 20 × 103) must be as a result of its contact with pathogen in which the immune system produces more white blood cells to combat the foreign body. This result is in agreement with Eze et al., (2010) [
O. O.Oluwole,G. O.Omitogun, (2016) Haematological Traits of Nigerian Indigenous Pig and Its Hybrid (50% Large White × 50 NIP) at Post Weaning Ages. American Journal of Molecular Biology,06,45-52. doi: 10.4236/ajmb.2016.61005