Establishment of reference intervals of hematological parameters and evaluation of age, sex, and season effects in the Preta de Montesinho goat

Abstract

The Preta de Montesinho goat is an autochthonous Portuguese breed classified as endangered. Autochthonous breeds should be preserved because they are usually well adapted to their specific regional conditions, exhibit resistance to certain diseases, and serve as important reservoirs of unique genetic diversity. For a breed like the Preta de Montesinho, maintaining the health of the animals to ensure their reproduction and increase their numbers is essential. Therefore, understanding the hematological reference interval is particularly important. This study aimed to determine the hematological reference interval for the Preta de Montesinho breed and assess the potential influence of age, sex, and seasons on these intervals. A total of 136 blood samples were collected from healthy animals. The samples were analyzed using the Mindray BC–5000 Vet® automatic hematology analyzer, and reference intervals for 23 blood parameters were established applying the Reference Value Advisor v2.1 software. JMP® was utilized to determine statistically significant differences between the established groups. Regarding age, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between young and old goats were detected in 15 parameters. Sex significantly influenced eight parameters, six of which were erythrocyte indices. The annual season (summer or winter) affected seven parameters and six erythrocyte indices. The reference intervals described here can serve as a tool to identify sick animals, evaluate responses to therapies, and select healthy animals for reproduction, thus contributing to the breed’s preservation.

Keywords

• hematology
• goats
• preta de montesinho
• reference intervals