Effect of sex on biochemical, cytomorphometrical and haematological parameters of mallard duck, Anas platyrhynchos (Linnaeus, 1758)

Study of mallard blood cell can reveal the physiological status and condition of this livestock. This study was based upon biochemical, cytomorphometrical and haematological analysis of different blood cells of the duck with respect to sex. Blood of the bird was collected from its metatarsal vein, kept in EDTA for haematological test and the smear was prepared immediately after the blood was obtained for morphometrical analysis. For biochemical test, blood was kept in EDTA containing fluoride and left it for 2–3 h and centrifuged. Plasma chemistry for the glucose, cholesterol, TPP, albumin and globulin was determined. The result of biochemical test differs significantly at P ≤ 0.05. The cell length, cell breadth, cell area, nuclear area and nuclear breadth of erythrocyte differ significantly at P < 0.001 and N/C ratio and nuclear length reflect nonsignificant value. In case of lymphocyte, the cell length, cell breadth, cell area, nuclear area and nuclear length show significance at P < 0.001 and nuclear breadth is significant at P < 0.05 and N/C ratio does not show significant difference. Monocyte cell length and cell area are significant at P < 0.001 and cell breadth shows nonsignificant values. In case of granulocytes, eosinophil of male and female is significant at P < 0.05, basophil of male and female is significant at P < 0.001 and heterophil of male and female does not differ significantly. Haematological parameters like PCV and RBC differ significantly at P ≤ 0.05, leukocyte differs significantly at P ≤ 0.01, MCH, MCV and MCHC do not show any significant values and parameters of DLC differ significantly at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01. This study concluded that the difference in blood cell parameters in male and female is due to various factors like increase in hormonal level, basal metabolic rate, stress, courtship and egg laying stage and some infections.