Comparative haematology of Vanaraja, Nicobari fowls and their various [F.sub.1] crosses under hot humid climate of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Aim: In the present experiment, the haematological parameters of Vanaraja, Nicobari fowls (Black, Brown and White) and their six [F.sub.1] crosses were evaluated. Four erythrocyte traits, six leukocyte traits and one platelet trait were assessed. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (1 ml) were collected from the wing vein of each adult bird using 2 ml disposable syringe and then directly transferred to labeled test tube containing anticoagulant EDTA (2 mg EDTA/ml of blood). All haematological parameters were measured using by an instrument named Cell Counter Analyzer MS9-5V (Melet Schloesing Laboratories). Results: Variations among different genetic groups and sex were found in respect to different haematological parameters studied. Red blood cell (RBC) concentration of Vanaraja female was found to be very high. White blood cell (WBC) concentration of Black Nicobari X Vanaraja female was significantly lower than all the other groups except Brown Nicobari female. Platelet count of Vanaraja X White Nicobari male was significantly higher than all the other groups except White Nicobari male, Vanaraja X Black Nicobari male, male and female of Brown Nicobari X Vanaraja, male and female of Vanaraja X Brown Nicobari and White Nicobari X Vanaraja male. Conclusions: The haematological parameters of Vanaraja, Nicobari fowls and their [F.sub.1] crosses were investigated and compared. The results of the study will be helpful for accurate interpretation of haematological tests of the poultry genotypes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Keywords: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, blood parameters, Nicobari fowl, Vanaraja