Antibody Response and Haematological Changes of Nigerian Locally Adapted Turkeys to Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC)

Haemagglutination assay and haematological analysis of 143 poults generated as F1 individuals by artificial insemination from randomly selected turkeys of White, Black and Lavender genotypes which are classified by antibody titre was carried out so as to confirm their antibody titre levels in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Results showed that mean values obtained for high and low antibody titres were 7.31 and 2.67 respectively, resulting in the classification of the turkeys into Black high and low, Lavender high and black, and White high and low antibody titres. The genotype’s titre had significant (P <0.05) effect on the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and basophil (BAS) of the basal haematological parameters. Genotype’s titre had no significant (P >0.05) effect on the primary response haematological parameters. Meanwhile, the primary response haematological parameters to SRBC antigen varied along the genotypes with the WBC increasing drastically in all the genotypes, signifying the presence of an antigen. The study concluded that the F1 turkey poult population studied diverged along the high and low antibody titre in response to SRBC. Thus, the F1 generation of the high antibody titre genotypes (Black high, White high and Lavender high) can be used as foundation stock for selection of local turkeys for high antibody titre.