Age related haematological changes in captive Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

Full blood counts were carried out on a number of clinically normal newborn, juvenile and adult Barbary sheep. Significant age related differences.in the number and size of the red cells and in the absolute and relative numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes were found. Fibrinogen levels and platelet counts were lowest in newborn animals. These differences could complicate the interpretation of haematological findings on sick Barbary sheep if not taken into account.