Exploratory study of hematological values ​​in Holstein-Friesian crossbreed calves, during their first six months of life | [Estudio exploratorio de valores hematológicos en terneras Holstein Frisian mestizas, durante los primeros seis meses de vida]

Abstract

Age-related changes in hematological values occur in almost all mammalian species, and published studies that include repeated measurements of hematological parameters in calves during the first months of life are limited. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the hematological values with sequential measurements from birth to 6 months of age in calves of the Holstein breed Frisian mestizas, in the Nero farm located at 3000 masl. Blood samples were taken from 36 clinically healthy heifers, hematological tests were performed on automatic cell counters for veterinary use and calibrated for the bovine species. The results were processed using the software SPSS version 22, in which the minimum, maximum, average and the standard deviation for the age in days and the hematological values were calculated. In addition, from the descriptive statistics the Pearson Correlation test was applied to establish whether there is a correlation between the evaluated values with respect to age. The significance levels were established to two tails for both p≤0.01(**) and p≤0.05(*). In conclusion, it can be stated that most correlations evidenced have a low association with age, however, the MCV[1] has an average association (Pearson Correlation -0.531**, R2 = 0.28), which decreases to as the age of calves increases.

Keywords

• calves
• hematological values
• Frisian Holstein