The influence of age, sex and altitude on the morphometry of red blood cells in bovines

Aim: This study was conducted on local bovine breed (black and white breed) in the east and the south of Algeria in order to reveal the influence of age, sex and altitude on the morphometry of red blood cells. Materials and methods: The animals were divided into three equal groups at different altitudes while the animals of each group include adult males, adult females, young males, young females; and live at the same altitude in the following regions: region A, Wilaya of Batna; region B, Wilaya of Biskra; and region C, in the Wilaya of El-Oued. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and blood smears were immediately performed. The smears were stained according to the MayGrundwald-Giemsa method. The morphometric study was achieved using with a graduted ocular and a micrometric slide with an immersion optic microscope at a grossissement of 100. Statistical analysis was undertaken using the T student test. Results: The results showed a significant influence of age on the morphometry of red blood cells, the young bovine's red blood cells are significantly larger than the adults erythrocytes in the three regions. Indeed, sex have a significant influence on the size of red blood cells, the erythrocytes of males are significantly larger than the females erythrocytes in the three region. However, concerning the altitude, the study showed a significant difference between the Wilaya of Batna group and the two other groups, the bovine's red blood cells of Batna Wilaya are significantly larger than the bovine's red blood cells of Biskra and El-Oued groups. Conclusion: Therefore, age, sex and altitude have profound effect on the morphometry of red blood cells and careful attention must be observed in studying and interpretation of anemic syndromes.