The possible effect of gender and age on haematological and some biochemical parameters in donkey foals in Zaria, Nigeria

In spite of the socioeconomic role played by donkeys in Nigeria, they are neglected in terms of veterinary care and veterinary research. Research on donkeys has been lagging far behind other domestic species of animals despite their prominent role in both rural and urban societies. This study was carried out to establish baseline haematological and serum biochemical parameters of apparently healthy donkey foals (Equus asinus) at the National Animal Production Research Institute Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 97 donkey foals between the ages of 4 and 9 months were used, comprising 34 males and 63 females. In general, a non-significant difference was observed in all parameters with the exception of red blood cell count (P