Further observations on the packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration in cattle naturally infected with <i>Fasciola gigantica</i>

Abstract

The changes on packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) in zebu cattle infected with Fasciola gigantica were studied in two age and two season groups during the period from November 1999 to June 2000. Eighty-eight selected cattle were divided into two age groups, 2.5 to 5.5 years (n = 44; 22 infected & 22 uninfected control) and 6.0 to 9.0 years (n = 44; 22 + 22 cattle), and similarly two seasons, winter (n = 22 + 22) and summer (n = 22 + 22) were used for this study. Blood samples were collected in glass vials contained EDTA anticoagulant for each age group of all animals in summer and winter seasons. PCV was determined using microhematocrit and Hb concentration by cyanomethemoglobin methods. The PCV of F. gigantica infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than the non-infected control animals. The average PCV obtained were 24.43% and 32.33% for F. gigantica infected and non-infected cattle, respectively. The Hb concentrations of infected cattle were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than the non-infected control animals. The average Hb values found were 7.59 and 10.13 g% for F. gigantica infected and noninfected cattle, respectively. There was no significant effect of age and season on the values of PCV and Hb concentrations in infected and non-infected cattle.

Key words: Zebu cattle; Fasciola gigantica; packed cell volume; haemoglobin concentration

doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i2.2553

Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (2): 125-127