Assessment of Clinico-physiological and Haemato-biochemical Profiles in Hampshire Crossed Pigs

Abstract

This study investigated clinico-physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters in 18 healthy Hampshire-crossed pigs, classified into three age groups: Group-I (grower), Group-II (finisher), and Group-III (pregnant). Carried out at the 30 Sow Teaching Unit, the Departments of Livestock Production and Management and Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, the study aimed to discern age-related variations in pig health. Clinico-physiological assessments encompassed body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, mucous membrane appearance, feeding behavior, and pen-mate behavior. Group-I exhibited higher clinico-physiological values, with significant variations in the respiration rate (p<0.05) and highly significant variations in heart rate and pulse rate (p<0.01) compared to Groups II and III. The haematological parameters, including hemoglobin, PCV, TLC, and TEC, were evaluated. Group-II exhibited higher hemoglobin and total erythrocyte count, while Group-I had a higher packed cell volume. Total leucocyte count variation was non-significant, but packed cell volume significantly varied (p<0.05), and hemoglobin and total erythrocyte count highly significantly varied (p<0.01). Biochemically, Group-I demonstrated elevated markers; Group-II had higher ALT; and Group-III exhibited increased total protein, BUN, and creatinine levels. While blood glucose, total protein, and AST showed non-significant variations, ALT, creatinine, and cortisol exhibited significant differences (p<0.05), and ALP, LDH, and BUN displayed highly significant variations (p<0.01). This study provides comprehensive insights into age-associated physiological, haematological and biochemical variations in pigs, contributing valuable information for effective pig health management practices.