NEUTROPHIL: LYMPHOCYTE RATIO OF PURE ANDCROSSBRED NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS PIGS

Abstract

Pigs plays a major role in socio economically by serving as a source of income for rural population and fulfilling an important role in culture and food security. Neutrophil- lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be defined as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count. Fifty-one weaners were randomly selected at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age for haematological analysis. Blood from the jugular veins of these pigs were collected into anti-coagulant bottles and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The blood parameters taken were leukocyte traits represented by neutrophilic count (NEU%) and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%). NLR was calculated by dividing the mean neutrophil counts by the mean lymphocyte count. Haematological data recorded were analyzed by using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The NLR values were significant between the two breeds where NIP NLR was higher throughout the ages.