Hematology and enzyme histochemistry of the peripheral blood leucocytes in rock partridges (Alectoris graeca)

The purpose of this study was to determine the percentages of alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE)-positive and acid phosphatase (ACP)-positive peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and the percentages of leukocytes in the rock partridge at different ages. Blood samples obtained from the vena basilica of 18 healthy rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) at 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age were used. Mean percentages of ANAE-positive PBL for the 3 age groups were 37, 29.83, and 47.83% for 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age, respectively. Heterophils also gave ANAE-positive reactions. Mean percentages of ACP-positive PBL for the 3 age groups were 70, 81, and 86.1% for 1 d, 5 wk, and 12 wk of age, respectively. Although monocytes showed a diffuse granular staining pattern, heterophils displayed a weak positive reaction for ACP. Thrombocytes showed a small granular staining pattern. This study contributes by broadening the hematological research on avian species and provides a guideline for identifying blood cells in the rock partridge.