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Sheep Hematology from Birth to Maturity I. Erythrocyte Population, Size and Hemoglobin Concentration¹

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Abstract

Over 9000 determinations related to erythrocyte population, size and hemoglobin concentration were performed on the blood of 316 Hampshire, Shropshire and Suffolk sheep from birth to maturity. Samples were taken at birth, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hr.; at 5, 8 and 14 days; at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 12 months of age; at 2, 3. and 4 months gestation; at parturition; and on the 14th day of lactation. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and erythrocyte population declined from birth to a low point at approximately 14 days of age. This decline appeared to be, in part, a consequence of inadequate iron supplies for hemoglobin formation. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were greatest on the first day of life and subsequently declined, reaching low points at 5 and 3 months, respectively. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration increased from birth to 12 months of age. Reticulocyte concentration was generally low, but a peak was observed at 14 days and at 4 months of pregnancy.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 3355.

² Department of Animal Husbandry. We also wish to thank Byron Good, James Cretcher, Larry Cotton, Tom Wiese and Esther Ruckle for their cooperation and assistance in this project.