Studies on haematological parameters of ducks during prelaying and peak production periods

Nondescript (native to Andhra Pradesh) and Crossbreds (Khaki-Campbell Vs Desi) ducks raised at poultry experimental station Rajendranagar were used for the present study. Twenty birds from each variety group were selected randomly and blood samples were collected from each bird at two stages of production i.e prelaying (18–20 wks), peak laying (28–30 wks) periods. Blood was analysed for haematological parameters and serum was separated and subjected to analysis for alkaline phospatase activity and proteins, albumin and globulin concentration. The haematological parameters were observed to be higher in crossbred ducks than nondescript ducks and parameters such as RBC, Hb and PCV showed decline during peak laying while WBC count and ESR showed an increase during the same period. Lymphocytes were predominant in both breeds during prelaying while heterophiles were the predominant leucocytes during peak laying stage The serum alkaline phosphatase activity was found to be influenced significantly (P<0.01) due to variety as well with stage of production. The other variables such as serum total proteins, protein fractions (serum albumins, globulins and

A:G ratio) were also influenced by variety with higher mean values observed in crossbred ducks. A significant increase (P<0.01) was observed in all other parameters except A:G ratio from prelaying to peak production periods, while A:G ratio showed a significant(P<0.01) decline during peak laying stage.