Study of cytological parameters of Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) different seasons in Sistan & Bluchestan province

Document Type : Biology(Animal)

Authors

1 Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Varamin Pishva Branch, Iran

2 Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Varamin Pishva Branch, Iran

3 Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, P.O.Box: 14155-6116 Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Swamp crocodile، (Crocodylus palustris) is the biggest reptile native species of Iran. The study of cytological parameters of C. palustris’s blood was performed in different seasons of Sistan & Baluchestan province in a yearlong survey beginning in summer 2008 till the spring 2009 in environment guard station of Dargas located in Dargas Village of Chabahar County. All studied crocodiles have been imprisoned، benefiting from their natural environment''s natural light and sufficient water and their health have been assured by usual examines. The crocodiles'' ration included chicken and duck meat slices which were freely put at their disposal. Sampling were done from C. palustris seasonally (n=12). Blood cytological parameters were included hematocrite (22. 83%)، RBC (0. 83 ×106/ml)، WBC (16. 17 ×10³/ml)، and Reticulocytes (175. 83×10³/ml). Also، the separate count of cellules included as Hetrophils (39. 38%)، Lymphocytes (46. 25%)، Azurophils (9. 16%)، Neutrophil bands (2. 00%)، Eosinophils (4. 0%) and Monocytes (2. 25%). Since the blood taking was done seasonally، it was specified that the rate of blood''s cytological indicators measured in different seasons have no significant difference in 5% level.

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