Leukogram, total and differentiated proteins in young Equus mulus from the police in Boyacá (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective. To determine leukocyte, total protein, fibrinogen, albumin and globulin values in young mules belonging to the Colombian National Police. Matherials and Methods. 50 healthy male and female mules were sampled. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture for total and differential count analisis od leukocytes, albumin, globulin, and total plasma proteins by Neubauer counting chamber, blood smear and spectrophotometry. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and a comparative analisis was performed with the mean reported for other equids using the T-student test (P<0.05) and the Wilcoxon test. A reliability of 95% with a margin of error 0f 5% were stablished. Results. Total White cell count: 11.32 ± 2.99 x 10⁹/L, differential count: neutrophils 5038.6 ± 2228 cells/µl, lymphocytes: 5758 ± 1975.9 cells/µl, monocytes: 109.95 ± 156.9 cells/µl, N/L ratio: 1.03 ± 0.66, total proteins 7 ± 0.39 gr/dl, albumin 4.48 ± 0.18 gr/dl, globulin 2.51 ± 0.43 gr/dl, A/G ratio 1.7 ± 0.71, fibrinogen 206 ± 107.6 gr /dl. Conclusions. Significant differences were established in the mean of total leukocytes, differentials and fibrinogen compared to other equids; these values were closer to those found in Catalans donkeys. In contrast, there were no differences in the values of leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes with other young mules. The mean values of total proteins, albumin and globulin, were found to be closer to the values reported in horses. The results obtained show the importance of research on haematological parameters in mules according to breed, age, and management.