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Abstract

Haematological parameters are good indicators of the physiological status used by equine practitioners for health assessment.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the influences of sex, age, breed and activity on haematological parameters of apparently healthy horses from three South-western states in Nigeria. Blood samples from 100 apparently healthy horses with age ranges from 1 to 18 years old, both sexes, mixed breeds, and engaged in different activities were obtained for hematological analysis and erythrocyte osmotic fragility test. The results showed that the haematological values are comparable with normal reference values for horses. The age, sex, breed and activities had exerted some effect on the hematological  values with significantly (p<0.05) higher hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and white blood cells count (WBC) in the stallions than mares. Older horses had significantly (p<0.05) lower Hb and MCH values than younger ones. The Nigerian Local horse (indigenous) and the cross breed had significantly (p<0.05) higher Hb and MCHC. Horse used for recreation activities had significantly (p<0.05) higher values when compared with other horse activities. Similarly, horse activities influenced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility. In conclusion, this study showed that the haemogram values for horses from South-western Nigeria are within the acceptable reference values for horses. Some effect of sex, age, breed and activities were observed on the haematological parameters of the horse with stallions, the indigenous, their cross breed and those engaged in recreational activities having significantly higher Hb, MCH, MCHC and WBC values.

Keywords

Hematology; Erythrocyte indices; Horse: South-Western Nigeria

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Copyright (c) 2025 A. M. Mayaki , Y. I. Likita, O. A. Alaba, Adah Osereime, O. O. Akinniyi , T. F. Ajani , O. I. Azeez, A. A. Oyagbemi, D. O. Omoniwa , O. G. Ohore, T. O. Omobowale (Author)

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Age, Sex, Breed and Activity-Related Effects on Some Haematological Parameters of Horses in South Western Nigeria. (2025). Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 22(2), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.54058/0nercg44
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Age, Sex, Breed and Activity-Related Effects on Some Haematological Parameters of Horses in South Western Nigeria. (2025). Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 22(2), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.54058/0nercg44

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