Haematology and biochemical parameters of different feeding behaviour of teleost fishes from Vellar estuary, India

Haematological parameters have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were studied and compared different feeding behaviour of teleost fishes. Three marine teleost fishes, Lates calcarifer (carnivores), Mugil cephalus (omnivores) and Chanos chanos (herbivores), were carried out in order to find out a normal range of blood parameters which would serve as baseline data for assessment of the health status of the fish as well as reference point for future comparative surveys. Blood parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC) and white blood cells count (WBC), haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin, glucose, protein, cholesterol and urea were estimated from teleost fishes of different trophic level. Statistical analysis revealed that differences in haematological parameters between marine fish were significant (P?<?0.01). The result revealed that haematological RBC/WBC ratio, MCV and MCHC were significantly correlated at P?<?0.05 level. The RBC/WBC level increased due to the decrease in WBC during the study. Blood serum biochemical parameters can be used for confirming the maturity and monitoring any changes in the quality of waters and related soils.     

Comparative investigation on haematological and biochemical studies on wild marine teleost fishes from Vellar estuary, southeast coast of India

Haematological parameters are often used to assess the health status and as stress indicators in fishes. In this present study, the haematological parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HB), mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration, RBC/WBC ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and biochemical such as serum glucose (GLU), protein (PRO), cholesterol and urea (UR) of seven teleost fish species were determined. Statistical analysis confirmed that differences in haematological parameters between all the species were (P?<?0.01) significant. The result revealed that RBC, RBC/WBC ratio, HCT, HB, ESR, PRO, GLU and UR was significantly correlated at P?<?0.05 level. RBC/WBC level was more due to the decrease in WBC during the study. These differences can be attributed to the physiological acclimatisation of the fish to their living conditions and feeding regime, which influences the energy metabolism and consequently, the health of the fish.     

Effects of different dietary prebiotic inulin levels on blood serum enzymes, hematologic, and biochemical parameters of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles

An 8-week growth trial was carried out in freshwater fiberglass tanks to investigate the effects of different dietary prebiotic inulin levels on hematologic and biochemical parameters and some blood serum enzymes in juvenile great sturgeon (Huso huso). Four experimental diets were formulated to contain different prebiotic inulin levels (0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0%, respectively). Triplicate groups of fish (50 fish per tank with an average body weight of 16.14 ± 0.38 g) were assigned to each diet. Blood samples were taken from the caudal vein of 60 apparently healthy fish at the end of the trial. No significant differences were observed in serum enzymes between the treatment groups (P > 0.05). The results show that with the increase in supplementation level of inulin, the mean values of alkaline phosphatase decreased but the mean value of other enzymes increased. white blood cell count increased significantly in group treated with 1% inulin compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference between the treatment groups was observed in some hematologic and biochemical parameters such as red blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and glucose (P > 0.05). With the increase supplementation level of inulin, the mean values of cholesterol, MCH, and MCH concentration increased, but the mean value of glucose, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume decreased.     

The effects of Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae) leaf chloroform extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters in mice

Psidium guajava Linn. leaf extract is used in Nigerian ethnomedicine to treat many disorders such as diarrhea, cough, gastroenteritis, gastric pain, and inflammatory disorders. The effects of the chlorofrom extract of the leaves on some hematological and biochemical parameters were investigated in mice. The animals were divided into three groups of eight animals per group. The first group served as the control, while the second and the third groups were given orally 24.3 and 45.9 mg/ml of the extract, respectively, for 28 days. The parameters investigated in the study include packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (HBC), total white blood cell (WBC) count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total and conjutate bilirubin and creatinine. Significant (p < 0.05) differences existed between the experimental groups and the controls with respect to the lymphocyte counts, mean corpuscular volume, ALT, AST, and ALP. No significant difference existed in the levels of PCV, RBC, HBC, WBC count, neutrophil count, MCH, MCHC, and total and conjugated bilirubin and creatinine. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of tannins and flavonoids.     

Effects on hematological and biochemical parameters in albino mice fed Ipomoea batatas leaf aqueous extract

The leaf aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas was investigated for hematological and biochemical effects in mice. The acute toxicity test recorded no death, even at the highest dose of 1,600 mg/kg. The animals were divided into two groups. The first group was given 800 mg of the extract for 28 days while the second group that served as the control received water for the same period. No significant changes in hematological parameters such as packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, and the red blood cell count. The erythrocytic indices such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration did not change significantly. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of WBC in the group that received the extract. The activities of the serum enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase also did not change significantly. The pentobarbitone sleeping time showed significant (p < 0.001) increase in the mean sleeping time when the group that received the extract was compared with the control.     

Hematological profiles of goats naturally infected with Anaplasma ovis in north and northeast Iran

This study was conducted to measure selected hematological parameters in goats naturally infected with Anaplasma ovis. In this study 193 blood samples were collected from adult and young goats in north (Gonbad) and northeast (Mashhad) of Iran. Out of the 193 blood samples, 123 samples were positive (infected group) and 70 samples were negative (uninfected group) for A. ovis by polymerase chain reaction. Hematological analysis was carried out on 47 samples from the infected group and 37 samples from the uninfected group. Hematological analysis indicated significant decreases (P?<?0.01) in RBC counts, HCT values, and hemoglobin concentrations in the A. ovis-infected group of goats compared to the uninfected group (P?<?0.01). The mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, WBC counts, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes in the infected group were lower but neutrophils were higher than in the uninfected group. These differences were not statistically significant (P?>?0.05). The result from this study revealed that A. ovis infection in goats is associated with marked changes in hematological parameters.     

Changes in the haematological values of avian blood samples stored at varying temperatures for a period of up to 72 hours

Avian blood samples collected from remotely located farms may not always reach the laboratory for analysis immediately upon collection. This study investigated the changes that occur in the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HbC), red blood cell (RBC) counts, mean corpuscular values and white blood cell (WBC) counts of avian blood samples stored at refrigerator (4°C), room (average of 29°C) and incubator (37°C) temperatures across a storage period of 72 h. Blood samples for the study were collected from 12 adult chickens. All haematological determinations were carried out on the blood samples individually immediately upon collection to obtain the baseline value (BV) and thereafter at specific time intervals across the 72-h duration of storage (DOS). Results showed that for the samples stored at 4°C, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) from the BV in the PCV, HbC, RBC counts, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular HbC (MCHC) all through the 72-h DOS, but the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) significantly increased (p < 0.01), while WBC counts significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from their BV after 30-h DOS. For the blood samples kept at 29°C, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) from the BV in the HbC, RBC counts and MCH all through the 72-h DOS, but PCV and MCV significantly increased (p < 0.01) from their BV after 18 and 12-h DOS, respectively, while MCHC and WBC counts significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from their BV after 12 and 18-h DOS, respectively. For the samples kept at 37°C, there were significant changes (p < 0.01) from the BV in the MCHC after 9-h DOS, MCV after 12-h DOS, PCV and WBC counts after 18-h DOS, HbC and RBC counts after 48-h DOS and MCH after 60-h DOS. All changes in PCV, MCV and MCH were directly correlated with DOS, while the changes in HbC, RBC counts, MCHC and WBC counts were inversely correlated with the DOS. It was concluded that for avian blood samples stored at 4°C, reliable results (results not significantly different from the BV) can be obtained for the PCV, HbC, RBC counts, MCH and MCHC for up to 72-h DOS and for MCV and WBC counts for up to 30-h DOS; while for samples stored at 29°C, reliable results for HbC, RBC counts and MCH can be obtained for up to 72-h DOS and for MCV and MCHC for up to 12-h DOS but for PCV and WBC counts for up to 18-h DOS. Samples kept at 37°C can give reliable MCHC for up to 9-h DOS, MCV for up to 12-h DOS, PCV and WBC counts for up to 18-h DOS, HbC and RBC counts for up to 48-h DOS and MCH for up to 60-h DOS. A preliminary report of this study has been presented at the 43rd Annual Congress and Regional Conference of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Minna, Nigeria, November 6–10, 2006.     

Effects of rearing temperature on hematological and biochemical parameters of great sturgeon (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758) juvenile

The effect of environmental temperature changes on hematological and biochemical parameters of Huso huso juveniles was studied. Six-month-old juveniles with mean body weight of 69.2 ± 4.1 g were subjected to different temperatures (9–14°C, 15–20°C, and 21–26°C, respectively). The hematological parameters, ion Ca2+, glucose, and the cortisol concentrations were assessed after a period of 21 days rearing at these temperatures. The results show that hematocrit, Ca²⁺, and eosinophil were affected by different temperatures. Increasing temperature led to a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the hematocrit, Ca²⁺, and eosinophil, but white blood cell count, lymphocyte, cortisol, and glucose concentrations were decreased slightly (P > 0.05). The rest of the parameters showed no significant effect with increase in environmental temperature (P > 0.05). These data show significant effect of temperature on the blood parameters of great sturgeon.     

Measurement of some haematological characteristics of the wild carp

The aim of the present study was to obtain a basic knowledge of the haematology and the influence of sex on some blood parameters of wild carp (Cyprinus carpio) spawners. Haematological indices [red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells, haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and leucocyte differential count] were measured in one blood sample from 24 females (weight, 1.3 ± 0.1 kg; length, 47.4 ± 1.06 cm) and 27 males (weight, 1.265 ± 0.105 kg; length, 46.9 ± 0.8 cm). The highest haematocrit (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), RBC, MCH and MCHC were found for males. The highest leucocyte differential were also found for females. Statistical analysis revealed that differences in haematological parameters between males and females fish were not significant.     

Hematological and biochemical responses of common carp Cyprinus carpio to direct infusion of crude oil

Crude oil is one of the dangerous pollutants within water ecosystems. The purpose of current research was to determine the controlled effects of LC_50–96h dose (22.4?±?0.03 ppm) of crude oil for 0, 24, 48, and 96 h on hematological and biochemical indices of juvenile common carp. Results showed significant elevation in the white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC; P?<?0.01). Exposure to crude oil significantly increased hemoglobin and hematocrite (P?<?0.01). Among RBC indices, only mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was not significantly different and both mean corpuscular volume and mean cell hemoglobin showed significant elevation after exposure (P?<?0.01). Just neutrophil and lymphocyte were found within WBC indices and both of them significantly changed (P?<?0.01). Among biochemical indices, in contrast to glucose, cortisol significantly elevated.     

Evaluation of haematological and serum biochemical parameters in Iranian camels (Camelus dromedarius) infected with haemotrophic Mycoplasma (Eperythrozoon) spp

Blood samples were collected from 67 adult Iranian dromedary camels naturally infected with Mycoplasma spp, and a control group comprised 20 healthy dromedary camels. Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were measured using standard techniques. In Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smears, Mycoplasma appears attached to the surface of erythrocytes. In infected camels, the number of red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit (packed cell volume) significantly decreased (P < 0.05).With regard to the values of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, a normocytic and normochromic anaemia was observed in infected camels. In infected camels, the concentration of serum glucose was significantly lower as compared with controls (P < 0.05).     

Hematological parameters of pike Esox lucius in relation to different ages and seasons

The purpose of this study was to assess of some hematological parameters of Esox lucius collected from Anzali wetland from fall 2010 to summer 2011. Variations in hematological parameters such as hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils of fish were compared according to age and seasonal differences. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in values of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), MCV, MCH, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between ages. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in RBC and WBC between all seasons. However, there were no significant differences in Ht, Hb, MCHC, MCH, MCV, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils between all seasons. Results of current study may be helpful in establishing a hematological data bank for this species including standard values of blood parameters.     

Haematology of the German Shepherd dog in a humid tropical environment

To study the haematology of the German Shepherd breed of dog in a humid, tropical environment, an experiment was conducted to elucidate the effects of sex, age, and breed on the erythrocyte and leukocyte values of this species. There were no significant (p > 0.05) gender-related differences in the values of red blood cell counts (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), total and differential white blood cell counts (WBC) of the German Shepherd dog. The study also revealed that the adult German Shepherd dog (between 3 and 5 years old) had significantly higher RBC, total WBC, PCV and Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and lymphocyte values than a younger animal (between 8 and 15 weeks old). However, neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts were similar (p > 0.05) in the two age groups. Although there were no breed differences in the erythrocyte values between the Nigerian local dog and the German Shepherd dog, the WBC and neutrophil counts were however significantly higher in the Nigerian dog. This study revealed that although there were no gender or breed differences in the erythrocyte values of the German Shepherd dog, there were some age-related differences.     

Haematology, morphology and blood cells characteristics of male and female Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)

The aim of the present study was to obtain baseline data on blood cell size, morphology and haematological parameters in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) since there is limited information in the published literature. Blood samples from the caudal vein of apparently healthy Siamese fighting fish (male: n = 40 and female: n = 36) were collected. Haematological values of the blood samples were determined using standard techniques. The morphological features of blood cells were described according to observations made by light microscopy. The various types of blood cells measurement were carried out with the help of a stage and an ocular micrometre at a magnification of ×1,000. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes and four types of leucocytes: lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils and eosinophils, were distinguished and characterised. The average size of the erythrocyte cell and nucleus was 97.33 and 16.28 μm², respectively. Results showed a positive correlation between erythrocyte size and nucleus size for Siamese fighting fish (r = 0.470, p < 0.01). We also found sex-dependent differences for total white blood cell count, lymphocytes and heterophils in Siamese fighting fish (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that differences in other haematological parameters and blood cell morphology, between male and female fish were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).     

Prevalence and haemato-biochemical parameters of trypanosome-infected pigs at Nsukka, Nigeria

The haematological and biochemical parameters of pigs slaughtered at the Nsukka Abattoir between March and May, 2009 with trypanosome infection were evaluated. A total of 300 pigs were screened for trypanosome infection using parasitological diagnostic methods. Twelve (4%) of the pigs were found to be infected. All infections were due to Trypanosoma brucei. The infected blood samples, and an equivalent non-infected (control) blood were subjected to haematological and biochemical analysis. The packed cell volume (PCV) of the infected and non-infected pigs ranged between 14–50% (mean 27.8 ± 2.8) and 23–42 (36.25 ± 0.97) and differed significantly (P < 0.05). Infection had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the other blood parameters. Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) and creatine showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) whereas aspertate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and total bilirubin differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the infected and non-infected pigs. All these parameters increased in the infected animals with the exception of ALP which decreased. This study confirms the preponderance of T. brucei in the pig population of Nsukka area, Nigeria. It further reveals that significant haematocrit and serum biochemical changes occurred in the infected pigs. These findings are thought to have potential public health and some diagnostic significance.     

Haematological and serum biochemical profile of the upside-down catfish, Synodontis membranacea Geoffroy Saint Hilaire from Jebba Lake, Nigeria

Haematological and serum biochemical studies of natural population of Synodontis membranacea from Jebba Lake, North Central Nigeria were investigated in order to establish their mean and reference values. Bi-monthly collection of 1,408 live fish samples was carried out between April 2002 and March 2004, using gill nets of various mesh sizes ranging from 5.08 to 10.16 cm. The mean baseline value established for species-specific haematological and serum biochemical parameters were red blood cell (RBC) 3.83 ± 1.49 × 10¹² l⁻¹, haemoglobin (HB) 8.38 ± 1.96 g dl⁻¹, and packed cell volume (PCV) 25.65 ± 5.89%; mean cell volume 78.25 ± 37.90 fl; mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) 33.04 ± 12.50 pg; mean cell haemoglobin concentration 26.53 ± 15.18 g dl⁻¹; white blood cell (WBC) 315.65 ± 95.37 × 10⁻⁹; agranulocytes (Agr) 82.07 ± 11.38%; monocytes (Mon) 6.37 ± 3.01%; lymphocytes (Lym) 76.49 ± 10.81%; granulocytes (Gran) 40.28 ± 17.48%; neutrophils (Neut) 24.42 ± 10.68%; eosinophils (Eos) 16.14 ± 8.25%; basophils 0.09 ± 0.04%; protein 40.19 ± 7.45 g l⁻¹; albumin 19.78 ± 5.67 g l⁻¹; creatinine 49.71 ± 16.15 μmol l⁻¹; urea 3.05 ± 0.67 nmol l⁻¹; uric acid 0.76 ± 0.33 nmol l⁻¹; glucose 4.24 ± 1.74 mmol l⁻¹; cholesterol 8.46 ± 2.27 mmol l⁻¹; calcium 2.35 ± 0.94 mmol l⁻¹; potassium 13.36 ± 4.45 mmol l⁻¹; sodium 139.39 ± 23.19 mmol l⁻¹; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 11.79 ± 2.67 U l⁻¹; aspartate aminotransferase 16.80 ± 4.73 U l⁻¹; and alkaline phosphatase 63.01 ± 20.44 U l⁻¹. Only three of these parameters (i.e. neutrophil, glucose and potassium) differed significantly (P > 0.05) on gender basis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated significant relationship of standard length and total weight with RBC, PCV, HB, WBC, Agr, Mon, Lym, Gran, Neut, Eos, sodium, and ALT only. The study has provided baseline haematological and biochemical data for use in health monitoring and productivity of S. membranacea, which would be of great value for future comparative surveys in this era of increased fish culture in Nigeria.     

Glutathione and iron at the crossroad of redox metabolism in rats infected by Trypanosoma evansi

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of blood during acute Trypanosoma evansi infection in Wistar rats. The end points studied were hematologic parameters, red blood cell fragility, iron content, and glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels. Forty-eight animals were infected with trypomastigotes and distributed into five groups according to the level of parasitemia. Twelve non-inoculated animals were used as control. Parasitemia increased progressively, reaching highest scores at 15 days post-inoculation. At this point, several deleterious effects were observed such as an increase in iron content, in osmotic fragility, and in lipid peroxidation index, while glutathione decreased drastically. These changes were highly correlated to parasitemia (p?<?0.0001) and among each other (p?≤?0.001). Hematological indices (Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were also correlated to parasitemia (p?≤?0.0003) but failed to correlate to the other variables. Along with increase in iron, RBC fragility produced a decrease in RBC, PCV, and Hb, but not in mean corpuscular volume. Decrease in glutathione was negatively correlated to the end products of lipid peroxidation, clearly indicating the establishment of a pro-oxidant condition. The results show that the infection causes hematological impairments, increases iron and osmotic fragility, along with marked oxidative stress in red blood cells of rats inoculated with T. evansi.     

Evaluation of erythrocyte antioxidant mechanisms: antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and serum trace elements associated with progressive anemia in ovine malignant theileriosis

Ovine malignant theileriosis is a fatal disease that is characterized by severe progressive anemia. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in anemia, this study was designed to assess the antioxidant status and erythrocyte oxidative injuries in Iranian fat-tailed sheep that suffered from malignant theileriosis. The infected animals (infected group), composed of 50 Iranian sheep about 1–2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria sp., were divided into three subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<1%, 1–3%, 3–5%), and ten non-infected animals were also selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and serum concentrations of some trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium), were measured. As an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also determined. According to the results, a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume, the activities of SOD, GPX, and catalase (P < 0.001), and also serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se (P < 0.05) were evident in the infected sheep. In contrast, significantly increased levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (P < 0.001) as well as serum concentration of iron (P < 0.05) were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Also, it appears that disturbed antioxidant defense mechanisms can promote the development of anemia in ovine theileriosis.     

Hematological changes before and after treatment in dairy cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment-related changes in hematological parameters in dairy cows affected by clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SE). One hundred seventy postpartum Holstein dairy cows were selected from a large commercial dairy farm. Cows of the SE group presented a significant decrease in PCV (P?<?0.05) and red blood cell (RBC) (P?<?0.05) values, when compared to healthy group, while the CE group presented a significant decrease (P?<?0.01) in PCV and RBC count, when compared to healthy and SE animals. Significant increases in white blood cell (WBC) (P?<?0.05), neutrophil (P?<?0.001), and lymphocyte (P?<?0.001) counts, in the CE and SE groups, were observed when compared to healthy cows. After treatment for CE, PCV and RBC count dropped significantly, whereas WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts decreased significantly (P?<?0.05). In the SE group, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts decreased significantly after treatment (P?<?0.05). The results obtained in this study confirm endometritis-induced changes in hematological parameter which improve after treatment.     

Some hematological reference values estimated by the reference values advisor in the Iraqi Awassi sheep

The hematological parameters in domestic animal can be affected by several factors such as the sex, age, breed, and nutrition. There is a few published data on hematological reference values of the Iraqi Awassi sheep. Hence, the study aimed to determine hematological reference interval (RI) for the Awassi sheep to establish a basis for clinical interpretation. In the present study, a total 130 healthy Awassi sheep for both sex with two ages (2–5 years) were selected randomly from five regions (Shula, Abu-Ghraib, Mahmoudia, Yousifia, and Alameel) West and South of Baghdad during the period from December to February 2015–2016. Hematological parameters were measured by parametric and nonparametric methods using Reference Value Advisor. The RI of hematological parameters obtained in this study includes the following: the white blood cell count (WBC) (6.00–12.41 × 103/μl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (25.70–41.03 g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (6.65–15.48 pg), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (21.14–43.83 fl), red blood cells (RBC) (4.44–11.95 × 106/μl), hemoglobin (Hb) (7.08–11.04 g/dl), and packed cell volume (PCV) (19.53–20.43 %). The results also revealed that the low limits reference intervals of the hematological parameters in the Awassi sheep were lower than lower limits of the general reference values for all parameters except the WBC, while the upper limits were within the general reference values in three parameters (RBC, Hb, and PCV). The statistical analysis confirmed that the effect of age was not significant on all parameters whereas the effect of sex was significant (P < 0.05) on RBC and Hb where the estimations in males (8.33 × 106/μl, 11.09 g/dl) superior to females (7.19 × 106/μl, 8.89 g/dl). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated a considerable difference between reference interval of Awassi sheep and general reference values, besides the results confirmed the importance of establishing a local reference interval to be a more accurate guide to assess the animal status and to assist the clinician to reach a definitive diagnosis.