ABSTRACT
Two trials were conducted to study the effect of
transportation stress on haematology and immune responses of Alabio ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). Measurements were also made for egg production and organ weights (liver, thymuse, spleen and bursa of Fabricius).
Erythrocyte counts in blood collected 18 h after the stress significantly decreased (P < 0,05). The pack cell volume (PCV) and leukocytes counts tended to decrease as the result of stress, however, the: decrease was not significant. The heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio was highest in the stress group 18 h after the treatment. The stress due to both transportation and handing of animals for collection if blood had a profound effect on egg production.
Transportation stress reduced the ability of ducks to produce anti sheep red blood cell than anti Brucella abortus antigens, indicating that the effect to the stress in ducks in on the T cell dependent immune response. No significant diffeiences in body weight and organ weights were observed.
Keywords : Ducks, transportation stress, blood components, immune response, egg production, organ weights.
Keywords: transportation stress, Duck
