Haematological and Serum Biochemical Assessment of Working Horses in Northern Nigeria: A Multi-State Survey Across Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States

Working horses in North West Nigeria serve important socioeconomic roles in traditional ceremonies, agriculture, and transportation, yet systematic veterinary biochemical data for this population are lacking. This study conducted a multi-state haematological and serum biochemical assessment of working horses in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States. One hundred and fifty adult horses were sampled across the three states (fifty per state) from traditional horse owners and ceremonial breed groups. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and analysed for complete blood count and serum biochemistry including protein, albumin, glucose, creatinine, hepatic enzymes, calcium, phosphorus, and copper. Mean packed cell volume was 37.2%, haemoglobin 12.6 g/dL, and total leucocyte count 8.4 multiplied by ten to the power of nine per litre, broadly consistent with published equine reference ranges. Serum total protein and albumin were modestly below established reference thresholds in 28% of animals, suggesting sub-optimal dietary protein intake. Hepatic enzyme activities were within acceptable ranges across all three states. Serum copper was below recommended values in 34% of animals sampled, with the highest deficiency rates in Zamfara State. These findings provide the first structured biochemical health assessment dataset for working horses across North West Nigeria and identify nutritional deficiencies warranting targeted mineral supplementation and dietary improvement interventions. Keywords: working horses, haematology, serum biochemistry, copper deficiency, North West Nigeria.