Effect of Cold Stress on Some Blood Parameters of Sheep and Goats

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of age and breed on the hematological parameters and blood biochemistry of domestic sheep and goats (male) under winter cold. Healthy animals were chosen (n = 10 each breed) reared under the local breeding conditions during cold winter, a season characterized with a relatively low pasture. Animals were divided into four groups, rams group (3.50.55 years), male lambs group (6 month old), and ducks group (50.75 years), male kids [9 to10 month]. Blood samples were collected in January when the pasture level was at its minimum. The Results presents an overview of hematological parameters and factors affecting their values. Results of hematological parameters showed significant (Pless than0.05) differences between breed of animals. On the other hand, the kids group had significantly (Pless than0.05) lesser packed cell volume PCV % than the ducks group, while other parameters were similar. But, the white blood cell count (WBC) was significantly higher in the goat groups and the result of duck group was best than kids group. The values obtained for serum total protein was significantly lower (Pless than0.05) for rams and duck groups, while the values obtained for serum urea concentration was significantly (Pless than0.05) higher for rams and duck groups. In conclusion this study has reported hematological and serum biochemical values which could serve as baseline information for comparison in conditions of nutrient deficiency, physiological and health status of local male sheep and goats.