Comparison of haematological values in restricted- and ad libitum-fed domestic fowls: red blood cell characteristics.

1. A haematological study of the red blood cell characteristics in domestic fowls fed restricted and ad libitum diets was examined. The characteristics included Hb (haemoglobin), PCV (Packed Cell Volume), Rbc (Red blood cell count), MCH (Mean Cell Haemoglobin), MCV (Mean Cell Volume), MCHC (Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration) and reticulocytes. 2. The investigation showed that Hb, PCV, MCH and MCV were all reduced when broilers were fed a restricted diet. The number of Rbc's in these birds also increased significantly compared with control ad libitum-fed broilers. MCHC and reticulocyte numbers did not alter significantly. 3. It is proposed that some of the red cell characteristics may be restored to within "normal" ranges by food restriction. However, the results did show that there was a tendency to induce a microcytic normochromic anaemia in these restricted-fed birds.