Region-specific hematological and biochemical reference intervals for southern Thai fighting bulls

Authors

Dhiravit Chantip, Department of Veterinary Bio-Medical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammmarat, ThailandFollow
Nantaporn Chooruang, Laboratory and Diagnostic Center of the Teaching Animal Hospital and Community Services, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammmarat, ThailandFollow
Kitikarn Sakuna, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammmarat, ThailandFollow
Niramol Thongtem, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammmarat, ThailandFollow
Wiruntita Bohman, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Nakhon Si Thammmarat, ThailandFollow

Abstract

Accurate health assessments are vital for the performance and welfare of fighting bulls. Existing hematological and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) for cattle may not adequately reflect the unique characteristics of fighting bulls due to breed, age, and geographical differences. This study aimed to develop and apply region-specific RIs for hematological and biochemical parameters in fighting bulls from southern Thailand. A retrospective analysis of laboratory records was conducted on 1,460 healthy fighting bulls enrolled in an annual health check program at the Livestock Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, from January 2016 to December 2023. Blood samples were analyzed for hematological and serum chemistry profiles using automated analyzers. Statistical evaluations identified significant geographical, seasonal, and age-related variations. Region-specific RIs were established, revealing slight elevations in red blood cell (RBC) indices, including RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrate (MCHC), as well as serum chemistry parameters such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total protein (TP), compared to previously reported values for other cattle breeds. Older bulls exhibited lower RBC indices and leukocyte counts (P<0.05), while western coast bulls showed distinct variations in MCV, leukocyte counts, neutrophils, eosinophils, and ALP compared to eastern counterparts (P<0.05). Seasonal effects included higher MCHC, monocyte counts, and TP during the rainy season, whereas red cell distribution width and neutrophil counts increased significantly during summer (P<0.05). These RIs provide valuable benchmarks for health assessment, disease diagnosis, and physiological monitoring, enhancing the management and welfare of fighting bulls in southern Thailand.

DOI

10.56808/2985-1130.3822

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Recommended Citation

Chantip, Dhiravit; Chooruang, Nantaporn; Sakuna, Kitikarn; Thongtem, Niramol; and Bohman, Wiruntita (2025) "Region-specific hematological and biochemical reference intervals for southern Thai fighting bulls," The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine: Vol. 55: Iss. 1, Article 13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2985-1130.3822
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/tjvm/vol55/iss1/13