Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Relationships among body condition score, FAMACHA© score and haematological parameters in Pelibuey ewes

  • Regular Articles
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the associations between the FAMACHA© score, body condition score (BCS) and several haematological parameters of Pelibuey ewes. In total, 52 clinically healthy Pelibuey ewes were evaluated in this study. A blood sample was collected from each animal to determine haematological variables. The BCS was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 and subsequently grouped into four categories: (1) < 1.5, (2) 2.0–2.5, (3) 3.0–3.5 and (4) > 4.0. The coloration of conjunctival mucosa was evaluated using the FAMACHA© system. The analysed haematological parameters were red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red blood cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) and red blood cell distribution width coefficient of variation (RDW-CV). A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the Pearson correlation coefficients between variables were estimated. Haematological parameters were analysed with one-way analyses of variance, and the Tukey test was applied when significant differences were detected. The FAMACHA© score was only associated with MCHC (r = − 0.30, P < 0.05). The haematological parameters of RBC count, HCT, RDW-SD and RDW-CV statistically differed among BCS groups. The BCS was associated with RBC count, HCT, RDW-SD and RDW-CV, with r values ranging from 0.35 to 0.48. The haematological values were similar to those reported in ewes from Iran and Iraq. Hence, the optimization of the BCS calculation of Pelibuey ewes can generate association tables with haematological parameters to aid in the sanitary and feeding management of sheep.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • AFRC., 1993. Energy and protein requirements of ruminants, Agricultural and Food Research Council. CAB International, Wallingford, 159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmadi-Hamedani, M., Ghazvinian, K., Atyabi, N., Khanalizadeh, P., Masoum, M.A. and Ghodrati, M.S., 2016. Hematological reference values of healthy adult Sangsari sheep (Iranian fat-tailed sheep) estimated by Reference Value Advisor. Comparative Clinical Pathology, 25, 459-464.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Jbory, W.A.H. and Al-Samarai, F.R., 2016. Some hematological reference values estimated by the reference values advisor in the Iraqi Awassi sheep. Comparative Clinical Pathology, 25, 1155-1162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amaducci, A.G., Borges, J.L., Sitko, M.D., Martines, T.T., Silva, J.D.A., Dos Santos, A.P.Z. and Piau, J., 2016. Blood parameters and EPG (eggs per gram of feces) of crossbred Dorper sheep race in differents degrees of the Famacha method. Arquivos de Ciências Veterinárias e Zoologia da UNIPAR, 19(4), 221-225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Antunović, Z., Novoselec J., Šperanda M., Vegara M., Pavić V., Mioč B. and Djidara M., 2011. Changes in biochemical and hematological parameters and metabolic hormones in Tsigai ewes blood in the first third of lactation. Archiv Tierzucht, 54, 535-545.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anusha, V., Anitha, A., Rao, S.J., Rao, E.R. and Metta, M., 2017. Relationships among body condition score, body weights and measurements of Nellore (Brown) sheep. Indian Journal of Small Ruminants (The), 23(2), 159-162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Badawi, N.M. and AL-Hadithy, H.A., 2014. The hematological parameters in clinically healthy Iraqi awassi sheep. World's Veterinary Journal, 4(1), 01-05.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bath, G. and Van Wyk, J., 2001. Using the FAMACHA© system on commercial sheep farms in South Africa. Proceedings of the 5th international Sheep Veterinary Congress, 2001, 22-25.

  • Burke, J.M., Kaplan, R.M., Miller, J.E., Terrill, T.H., Getz, W.R., Mobini, S., Valencia, E., Williams, M.J., Williamson, L.H. and Vatta, A.F., 2007. Accuracy of the FAMACHA system for on-farm use by sheep and goat producers in the southeastern United States. Veterinary Parasitology, 147, 89-95.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Byers, S. and Kramer, J., 2010. Chapter 108. Normal hematology of sheep and goats, in: J. Douglas and K. Wardrop (eds), Schalm’s Veterinary Hematology, sixth edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd, State Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014-8300, USA, 836-842.

  • Caldeira, R.M., Belo, A.T., Santos, C.C., Vazques, M.I. and Portugal, A.V., 2007. The effect of body condition score on blood metabolites and hormonal profiles in ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 68, 233-241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlos, M.M.L., Leite, J.H.G.M., Chaves, D.F., Vale, A.M., Facanha, D.A.E., Melo, M.M. and Soto-Blanco, B., 2015. Blood parameters in the Morada Nova sheep: influence of age, sex and body condition score. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 25(4), 950-955.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carta, S., Nudda, A., Cappai, M.G., Lunesu, M.F., Atzori, A.S., Battacone, G. and Pulina, G., 2020. Cocoa husks can effectively replace soybean hulls in dairy sheep diets - Effects on milk production traits and hematological parameters. Journal of Dairy Science, 103(2), 1553-1558.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Di Loria, A., Veneziano, V., Piantedosi, D., Rinaldi, L., Cortese, L., Mezzino, L., Cringoli, G. and Ciaramella, P., 2009. Evaluation of the FAMACHA system for detecting the severity of anaemia in sheep from southern Italy. Veterinary Parasitology, 161, 53–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, J.B., Sotomaior, C.S., Bezerra, A.C.D.S., Silva, W.E., Leite, J.H.G.M., Sousa, J.E.R., Biz, J.F.F., Façanha, D. E. F., 2019a. Sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© system in tropical hair sheep. Tropical Animal Health and Prodution, 51, 1767–1771.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferreira, J., Guilhermino, M., Leite, J.M., Chaves, D., Do Vale, A., Silveira, R., Costa, W., Facó, O. and Façanha, D., 2019b. Body condition score and age do not affect the physiological responses, thyroid hormones, hematological or serum biochemical parameters for tropical ewes. Biological Rhythm Research, 1–15.

  • Gazyağcı, S., Azkur, A.K. and Çağlayan, O., 2011. Comparison of hematological and biochemical parameters in sheep naturally and persistently infected with a border disease virus. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 43, 553-556

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kenyon, P.R., Maloney, S.K. and Blache, D., 2014. Review of sheep body condition score in relation to production characteristics. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 57, 38-64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liddell C., Morgan E.R., Bull K. and Ioannou C.C., 2020 Response to resources and parasites depends on health status in extensively grazed sheep. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 287: 20192905.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McManus, C., Paludo, G.R., Louvandini, H., Gugel, R., Sasaki, L.C.B. and Paiva, S.R., 2009. Heat tolerance in Brazilian sheep: physiological and blood parameters. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 41, 95-101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mendizabal, J.A., Delfa, R., Arana, A. and Purroy, A., 2011. Body condition score and fat mobilization as management tools for goats on native pastures. Small Ruminant Research, 98, 121-127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morales, G., Guillen A.T., Pinho, A., Pino L. and Barrios F., 2010. Clasificación por el método Famacha y su relación con el valor de hematocrito y recuento de hpg de ovinos criados en condiciones de pastoreo. Zootecnia Tropical, 28, 545-556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez, V.R.I. and Cob, G.L.A., 2005. Técnicas diagnósticas en parasitología veterinaria, 2da. Edición. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, México, 306.

  • Russel, A.J.F., Doney, J.M. and Gunn, R.G., 2009. Subjective assessment of body fat in live sheep. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 72, 451-454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SAS, 2002. Institute Inc., SAS/STAT. Software, Ver. 9.00, Cary, NC27512-8000. USA.

  • Soto-Barrientos, N., Chan-Pérez, J.I., España-España, E., Novelo-Chi, L.K., Palma-Ávila, I., Ceballos-Mendoza, A.C., Sarabia-Hernández, J.A., Santos-Ricalde, R.H., Cámara-Sarmiento, R. and Torres-Acosta, J.F.J., 2018. Comparing body condition score and FAMACHA© to identify hair-sheep ewes with high faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes in farms under hot tropical conditions. Small Ruminant Research, 167, 92-99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sotomaior, C.S., Rosalinski-Moraes, F., Da Costa, A.R.B., Maia, D., Monteiro, A.L.G., Van Wyk, J.A., 2012. Sensitivity and specificity of the FAMACHA© system in Suffolk sheep and crossbred Boer goats. Veterinary Parasitology, 190, 114–119.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tziakas, D., Chalikias, G., Grapsa, A., Gioka, T., Tentes, I. and Konstantinides, S., 2012. Red blood cell distribution width -a strong prognostic marker in cardiovascular disease- is associated with cholesterol content of erythrocyte membrane. Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, 51, 243-254.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Wyk, J.A. and Mayhew, E., 2013. Morphological identification of parasitic nematode infective larvae of small ruminants and cattle: A practical lab guide. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 80, 1-14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyk, J.A.V. and Bath, G.F., 2002. The FAMACHA system for managing haemonchosis in sheep and goats by clinically identifying individual animals for treatment. Veterinary Research, 33, 509-529.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yilmaz, M., Taskin, T., Bardakcioglu, H.E. and Di Loria, A., 2014. Effect of body condition score on some blood parameters for anemia level in goat. Veterinarija Ir Zootechnika, 67, 41-46.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. División Académica de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco. Carretera Villahermosa-Teapa, km 25, R/A. La Huasteca 2ª Sección, CP 86280, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico

    Oswaldo Margarito Torres-Chable, Ricardo Alfonso García-Herrera, Nadia Florencia Ojeda-Robertos, Jorge Alonso Peralta-Torres & Alfonso Juventino Chay-Canul

  2. Unidad Regional Universitaria Sursureste Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Km 7.5, Carretera Teapa-Vicente Guerrero, CP 86800, Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico

    Roberto González-Garduño

Authors
  1. Oswaldo Margarito Torres-Chable
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ricardo Alfonso García-Herrera
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Roberto González-Garduño
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nadia Florencia Ojeda-Robertos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jorge Alonso Peralta-Torres
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Alfonso Juventino Chay-Canul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alfonso Juventino Chay-Canul.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Statement of animal rights

All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Torres-Chable, O.M., García-Herrera, R.A., González-Garduño, R. et al. Relationships among body condition score, FAMACHA© score and haematological parameters in Pelibuey ewes. Trop Anim Health Prod 52, 3403–3408 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02373-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02373-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation