Comparative Study of Hematological Parameters Across Various Chicken Breeds: Implications for Health and Productivity

Abstract

Hematological parameters serve as crucial indicators of the health, immunity, and adaptability of poultry. This research compares essential blood parameters—white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobin (Hb)—among nine chicken breeds: Kadakanth, Kalinga Brown, White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red (RIR), Banaraja, Broiler, Sonali, Aseel, and Backyard. A total of 90 healthy chickens (10 from each breed) were evaluated using established diagnostic techniques. One-way ANOVA, along with Welch and Brown-Forsythe tests, evaluated the differences among the breeds. Notable variation (p < 0.05) was detected across all hematological parameters. The Kadakanth, Aseel, and Backyard breeds demonstrated superior hematological values, indicating enhanced immune status, efficient oxygen transport, and increased adaptability to environmental stressors. Conversely, the Banaraja and Broiler breeds presented relatively lower values, potentially reflecting diminished physiological resilience in extensive or less-than-optimal conditions. These results highlight the significance of breed-specific management approaches. Resilient breeds such as Kadakanth and Backyard are likely to flourish in low-input systems, while breeds with lower hematological indices, like Banaraja and Broiler, may need focused nutritional and breeding strategies. The study offers valuable insights for enhancing poultry health, productivity, and sustainability through customized breeding and management practices.