EFFECT OF LONG-DISTANCE ROAD TRANSPORTATION ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN NIGERIAN TRADE CATTLE

Abstract

Long-distance transportation of trade cattle can induce physiological stress, which is reflected in changes in blood and serum parameters. Haematological studies provide valuable insights into the relationships between blood characteristics and environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of long-distance road transportation on haematological parameters in trade cattle. Blood samples were collected from 6 cattle (3 males and 3 females) subjected to transportation and compared with 6 of those that were not transported (3 males and 3 females). The data were analysed using a completely randomized design (CRD), with each animal serving as a replicate. The results showed that transportation significantly (p < 0.05) affected haematological parameters, including increase in the values of haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and white blood cell count (WBC). These changes indicate that the cattle experienced stress during transportation. Recovery from transportation stress was observed after 5-7 days of lairage, suggesting that this period is crucial for allowing cattle to recover from the stress of long-distance transportation.