Establishment of Haemato-biochemical Reference Values in Yak (Bos grunniens) in Cold Arid Himalayan Region of Ladakh India

Background: Yak population is much less in comparison to total livestock population of India but still it commands importance in the life of the mountainous regions adjacent to the Himalayas. Establishing reliable reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters for apparently healthy animal populations is a quite difficult task, however it is essential to provide baseline information for assessing the population health and disease. Methods: A total of 180 samples comprising 90 samples each of male and female yak of above one year of age were analysed for various haemato-biochemical, enzymes and trace elements. The data obtained during the study was analyzed by using Minitab statistical software Version 21.1.0. Result: The female yaks had significantly higher haematological values of Hb, HCT and MCV values while rest of the haematological parameters showed no significant alteration between two sexes. The female yaks showed significantly lower levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins and significantly higher levels of urea and low density-lipoproteins similarly female yaks showed higher alkaline phosphatase and lower lipase activity than male yaks. The female yaks had significantly higher trace element levels of sodium and magnesium.