Reference intervals of some electrophoretic and haematological parameters in Italian goats: comparison between Girgentana and Aspromontana breeds

The aim of this study was to establish and compare reference intervals of some haematological and electrophoretic parameters at different ages (1-2, 3-4 and over 5 years) in two Italian goat breeds: Aspromontana and Girgentana. A total of 90 female Aspromontana goats and 95 female Girgentana goats, ranging from 1 to 11 years of age, clinically healthy, were used. Blood samples were collected from each animal and analysed for haematological parameters and serum proteins profile with routine methods. Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of age on white blood cell (WBC, P < 0.0001) in Aspromontana goats and on haematocrit (Hct, P < 0.009) in Girgentana goats. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of age on concentrations of total protein (P < 0.05), albumin (P < 0.01) and on the albumin: globulins (A/G) ratio (P < 0.05) in Aspromontana goats. In Girgentana goats, statistical analysis showed a significant effect of age on concentrations of total protein (P < 0.01), albumin (P < 0.01) alpha-globulins (P < 0.05), gamma-globulins (P < 0.01) and on the A/G ratio (P < 0.01). Age-related effects were not detected in beta(1)-globulins and beta(2)-globulins fractions in booth breed. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of breed in the following haematological and electrophoretic parameters: WBC (P < 0.005), Hct (P < 0.0001), mean corpuscular volume (P < 0.0001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (P < 0.0001), concentrations of total protein (P < 0.03), alpha-globulins (P < 0.001), beta(1)-globulins (P < 0.05), beta(2)-globulins (P < 0.01) fractions and on the A/G ratio (P < 0.05).