Changes in haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to road transport stress in a hot humid tropical environment

This study investigated the haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to 7 h of road transportation in the hot, humid tropical environment and the possible recovery period. Thirty-five healthy Boer goats, aged 2–3, weighing 20–25 kg, were divided into two groups, designated A and B, of 30 and 5 animals, respectively. Group A was transported for 7 h, and blood samples were collected before, 3.5 h on transit, after transport, and on days 3, 7, 16 and 26 post-transport, while five goats served as control. Plasma and haemolysate were prepared and used to assay malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione alongside haematological parameters. The differential leukocyte counts of group A were altered following transportation as neutrophils, monocytes and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios increased significantly (P < 0.01) during transport compared to group B. Malondialdehyde value increased significantly (P < 0.01) following transportation through day 3 post-transport, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities decreased simultaneously following transportation and increased from day 3 through day 7 post-transportation. This study revealed that goats subjected to 7 h of transportation in the hot humid tropical condition experience haematological derangements and oxidative stress which take an average period of 3 to 16 days for recovery.
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research