Age and Sex-Associated Variations in Hematological and Oxidative Stress Profiles of Geese

Hematological parameters and oxidative status indicators are widely used biomarkers for evaluating physiological condition, immune competence, and health status in poultry. However, studies simultaneously examining the effects of age and sex on hematological profiles and oxidative stress parameters in geese remain limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate selected hematological parameters and oxidative stress indicators in healthy geese raised in Türkiye with respect to age and sex. Most hematological parameters, including erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocyte, heterophil, basophil levels and H/L ratio, did not differ significantly between sexes (p > 0.05). However, eosinophil percentages were significantly higher in males (p < 0.05), whereas monocyte ratios were higher in females (p < 0.01). Regarding oxidative stress indicators, females exhibited higher TOS and OSI values than males (p < 0.01), while TAS levels were not affected by sex (p > 0.05). Age significantly influenced several hematological parameters. Young geese showed higher erythrocyte counts and hematocrit values, whereas adults exhibited higher leukocyte counts, heterophil percentages, and H/L ratios (p < 0.001). TAS levels were also higher in adult geese (p < 0.05), whereas TOS and OSI values did not differ significantly between age groups (p > 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate that age plays a major role in shaping hematological profiles and immune cell distribution in geese, whereas sex may particularly influence oxidative stress parameters. These results provide valuable reference data for the interpretation of physiological status and the scientific monitoring of flock health in geese.