Normal haematological parameters of pigs in Papua New Guinea

The normal haematological parameters of pure Native and Crossbred Native pigs under intensive management are listed. The values for both groups are within the wide range of normal values for conventional breeds under intensive management. The "normal" haematological values 5-month and 11-month Village pigs are also listed. Compared with the corresponding age group of both pure Native and Crossbred Native pigs, the Village pigs had significantly lower haemoglobin, red blood cell counts and haematocrit values. The cause of the lower values in Village pigs is thought to be due to the malnutrition-parasite complex of Village pigs. The significantly higher leucocyte count of Village pigs is thought to be due to chronic pneumonia and parasitism of the Village pigs.