The effects of eastratian and exogenous testosterone hormone on ıhe total leucocyte count and various leucocyte types in the blood of akkaraman ram lambs

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eastratian and exogenous testoşterone hormone on the haematological status of Akkaraman ram lambs. The second aim of the study was to determine the changes occuring in the total leucocyte count and percentages of various types of leucocyte such as neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil following eastratian and to provide the use of these values in the elinical examinations of the castrat'ed sheep. Eigtheen ram labs of about three months of age were used in the study for seven months. The blood sampling was monthly carried out. Although statistically unimportant, wethers had generally higher total leucocyte count and neutrophil percentage and lower lymphocyte percentage than intact ram lambs. The most important effect was observed in the percentage of eosinophil. Wethers had significantly higher eosinophil values than intact ram lambs and testosterone- treated wethers throughout the experimental period. As a result, eastratian and exogenous testosterone hormone can be said to produce some important changes in the haematoiogical status of Akkaraman ram lambs, in addition to other metabolic effects. Finally, a great deal of studies are required to establish how castrcüion and testasterone hormone exert their effects on the haematological parameters.