JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND VETERINARY MEDICINE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2536-7099
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/JASVM
Start Year: 2016
Email: jasvm@integrityresjournals.org
Location-dependent variation in haematological traits of feedlot bulls during the hot season in Kano State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/JASVM2026.649 | Article Number: 80FA03822 | Vol.11 (3) - June 2026
Received Date: 26 March 2026 | Accepted Date: 04 May 2026 | Published Date: 30 June 2026
Authors: Abubakar M.* , Abba I. A. , Abdulmalik R. M. and M.S. Ibrahim.
Keywords: hot season, Kano State., Feedlot bulls, haematological traits
The study aimed to determine the effect of location on the haematological traits of feedlot bulls fattened in the hot period of Kano. Ninety (90) bulls (Ambala), comprising (30) each from the three (3) purposively sampled locations (Bichi, Danbatta and Karaye feedlot fattening Areas), were used for the experiment, which started from March –May 2025 (late dry season), and only clinically healthy bulls of similar ages (3-4 years) were used for the study. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 90 bulls using a syringe and needle. The effect of location on properties indicated that location significantly influenced (p<0.05) all the haematological properties studied. Karaye feedlot bulls were superior in all haematological properties; Haemoglobin (10.72 g/dl), White Blood Cell (12.32 x 103/mm), Red Blood Cell (7.87 x106/mm3) and packed cell volume (36.36%), while the least of those parameters were observed in Danbatta and Bichi. Correlation coefficient indicated that the parameters evaluated were significantly (p<0.05-0.01; r = 0.36 to 0.64) correlated with each other, except (p>0.05; r= 0.19) for the relationship between Haemoglobin and Red Blood Cell. The haematological parameters related to location, Danbatta, were comparable to the values considered to be physiological for feedlot bulls fattened during the hot period and can be influenced by heat stress. There is a need to use shade to mitigate heat stress during the hot period. Further studies with more locations and animals are also recommended for a holistic evaluation of the effect of heat stress on the feedlot.
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