A HEMATOLOGICAL STUDY OF SNOW, BLUE, AND CANADA GEESE

¹ Department of Veterinary Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Hematological values, including erythrocyte counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin values, and total and differential leucocyte counts, were measured at approximately 30-day intervals during a calendar year in adult snow (Chen caerulescens), blue (Chen caerulescens) and Canada geese (Branta canadesis interior). Blood samples from approximately 10 birds (range 3-14) of each type of goose were examined at each bleeding period. Erythrocyte counts for snow and blue geese were very similar and slightly higher than those recorded for Canada geese. Seasonal trends were evident for erythrocyte, hematocrit, and hemoglobin measurements. The highest erythrocyte counts occurred during the winter and spring; the lowest during the summer. Hematocrit and hemoglobin values were highest in the winter and early spring and at their lowest level in the fall. Total and differential leucocyte counts revealed no obvious species or seasonal variations. There were no hematological differences detected between males and females. This is the first report of a detailed hematological study of snow, blue, and Canada geese.