Haematology of Indonesian large ruminants

Haematology parameters were measured in buffalo, Bali, Madura, Ongole and Grati (Friesian cross) bulls fed on either a high concentrate or a high roughage-based diet. Animals fed the high concentrate diet had the higher packed cell volumes and haemoglobin concentrations but lower red blood cell and white blood cell counts. Species differences were significant for all blood parameters measured, except red blood cell count. The buffalo and Bali had the highest packed cell volumes, haemoglobin concentrations and white blood cell counts followed by the Madura, Ongole and Grati bulls. When growth rate and feed efficiency were related to liveweight and blood values, only haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count had significant partial regression coefficients. Within breed or species blood and performance parameters were significantly related only for buffalo and Madura bulls.