DYNAMICS OF THE HEMATOCRIT IN SHEEP BLOOD. I. BREED VARIABILITY

Krasimir Boychev, Gabriela Krumova, Katya Tsenova

Abstract: The aim of the study was to analyzed the range of differentiation of hematocrit in sheep blood and to evaluate the role of breed appurtenance in the seasonal variability of the hematological parameter discussed. In the experiment was included 398 animals of four breeds (Awassi, East Friesian, Pleven black headed, Romanov) and crossbreedings of the Synthetic Population Bulgarian Dairy sheep. The blood samples were taken in April, July, November and February. The hematocrit was determined by microcentrifugal method.
The level of the hematological parameter discussed varies from 0.298 l/l (Romanov breed) to 0.334 l/l (East Friesian sheep). Greatest seasonal variability of hematocrit was found for Awassi. A very important effect of the breed appurtenance was registered in winter (53.25%, P<0.001)

Keywords: breed variability; hematocrit; seasonal effect; sheep blood

Date published: 2023-02-28