Baseline Hemato-Biochemical Parameters for Health Monitoring of Homing Pigeon

Abstract

This study was designed to establish the reference values of hematological, liver function (LFT), renal function (RFT), and cholesterol profiles in homing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) to provide baseline data for their health evaluation. Blood samples were collected from male and female homing pigeons during the breeding season in Okara, Pakistan. The hematological parameters revealed that hemoglobin (Hb) levels were 23.53±1.22 g/dL in males and 26.77±2.01 g/dL in females, while total RBCs were 3.63±1.39 ×10⁶/µL in males and 2.73±0.70 ×10⁶/µL in females. PCV was recorded as 58.10±1.59% in males and 61.63±1.35% in females. MCV was significantly higher in females (178±2.29 fL) than males (163.1±1.63 fL). In the biochemical analysis, serum total protein was 7.46±1.22 g/dL in males and 7.1±0.89 g/dL in females, while cholesterol levels were significantly higher in females (230.8±1.43 mg/dL) compared to males (220.7±2.05 mg/dL). Serum Urea levels were 18.33±2.05 mg/dL in males and 28±1.63 mg/dL in females, while serum creatinine was 0.9±0.24 mg/dL in males and 1.33±0.47 mg/dL in females. Highly significant differences (p<0.01) were found in WBCs, MCV, RDW-CV, MPV, eosinocytes, serum alkaline phosphatase, ALT, and serum urea values between male and female pigeons. In conclusion, the present study successfully provides baseline hematological and biochemical reference values for male and female homing pigeons, which can assist in their health monitoring and clinical assessments. It is recommended that future research should include larger sample sizes from different regions to develop a comprehensive health profile of Columba livia domestica for conservation and veterinary purposes.