Hematology and serum chemistry in the white-crowned mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus lunulatus) and in the mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)

Abstract: Reference values of some hematologic and plasma chemical parameters were established in two species of clinically normal Cercopithecidae. The following variables were studied in seven mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) and nine white-crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus lunulatus): hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, total serum proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin-globulin ratio, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus, chloride, and serum osmolality. Few differences were observed when compared with human hematological data and with other species of Cercopithecidae Primates.     

Hematologic and blood chemistry values of the Masai ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Normal mean values for hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hematimetric indices, erythrocyte dimensions, glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, creatinine, total bilirubin, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, inorganic phosphorus, chloride, total plasma protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were obtained from the blood or plasma of four Masai ostriches (Struthio camelus) when juveniles at 5 mo of age and as adults 1 yr later in the Barcelona Zoo (Spain). Young ostriches had significantly lower concentrations of hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, calcium, and magnesium, and higher levels of total protein and potassium, than the adult individuals. The rest of the parameters were not significantly different between the two age groups. The data obtained provide reference values for Masai ostriches.     

Hematologic and biochemistry values for black-faced spoonbills (Platalea minor) with and recovering from botulism

Type C1 botulism outbreaks in Black-faced Spoonbills (Platalea minor) occurred in Taiwan from 2002 to 2003, and hematologic and biochemistry parameters from botulism-paralyzed birds and recovered birds were compared. Values for creatinine and uric acid were higher (P<0.0025) in birds with botulism than in recovered birds. Lower white blood cell counts (P<0.005) and values for alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides (P<0.025) were observed in recovered birds. Based on these observations, we suggest that hematologic and biochemistry analyses should be performed to assess the health condition of birds recovering from botulism.     

Annual cycle of blood chemistry parameters in striped mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides L.) from the Gulf of Mexico

Annual cycle measurements were made on serum sodium, potassium, chloride, iron, magnesium, calcium, carbon dioxide, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, inorganic phosphorus, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase in the striped mullet ( Mugil cephalus L.) and the pinfish ( Lagodon rhomboides L.). For each parameter, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation (C.V.) are reported. The lowest C.V.s were associated with the electrolytes and the greatest C.V.s with serum enzymes. The lowest variability for most parameters was observed in the vitellogenic and prespawning period.     

Hematology and serum chemistry in stranded and wild-caught harbor seals in central California: reference intervals, predictors of survival, and parameters affecting blood variables

Blood was collected from stranded harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups at admission (n=64) and release (n=45) from rehabilitation in 2007 and 2008 and from wild-caught harbor seal pups, subadults, and adults (n=110) in 2004, 2007, and 2008. Blood values measured at the time of admission were not predictive of survival during rehabilitation. Mass was associated with survival until release, and all pups that died weighed less than 10 kg at the time of admission. D?hle bodies were observed in leukocytes from 15% to 22% of the pups in rehabilitation, but not in the wild pups. Thresholds (95% confidence intervals) among wild pups were less than those in the released pups for leukocytes, neutrophils, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, total protein, albumin, and globulin; thresholds were greater in wild pups than in released pups for hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and glucose. Thresholds among released pups were less than those in wild pups for HGB, HCT, mean cell volume, chloride, and creatine kinase; thresholds among released pups were greater than those in wild pups for neutrophils, platelets, total cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, bilirubin, phosphorus, potassium, total protein, and albumin. Age, girth, and geographic location affected the blood variables from wild-caught pups; age class, geographic location, sex, and body condition affected the blood variables of wild-caught, subadult and adult harbor seals.     

Seasonal hematology and serum chemistry of wild beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA

We collected blood from 18 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), live-captured in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA, in May and September 2008, to establish baseline hematologic and serum chemistry values and to determine whether there were significant differences in hematologic values by sex, season, size/age, or time during the capture period. Whole blood was collected within an average of 19 min (range=11-30 min) after the net was set for capture, and for eight animals, blood collection was repeated in a later season after between 80-100 min; all blood was processed within 12 hr. Mean hematocrit, chloride, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in May than they were in September, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, monocytes, phosphorous, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, and creatinine kinase were significantly higher. Mean total protein, white blood cell count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were significantly higher early in the capture period than they were later. No significant differences in blood analyte values were noted between males and females. Using overall body length as a proxy for age, larger (older) belugas had lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts as well as lower sodium, potassium, and calcium levels but higher creatinine levels than smaller belugas. These data provide values for hematology and serum chemistry for comparisons with other wild belugas.     

Hematology and serum chemistry of harp (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) during the breeding season, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada

Standard hematologic and serum chemistry parameters were determined from 28 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and 20 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) sampled from 6 March 2001 to 13 March 2001 during the breeding season. Whole blood was collected immediately postmortem from harp seal mother-pup pairs and from six hooded seal pups, and from live-captured adult hooded seals and three hooded seal pups; blood was analyzed within 24 hr at a local human hospital. A certified veterinary laboratory validated subsamples of whole blood and analyzed all serum chemistry parameters. Significant interlaboratory differences in mean values of packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV) were found. Significant differences were found between samples from the five seal groups (adult male hooded seals, lactating female hooded seals, unweaned hooded seal pups; lactating female harp seals, and unweaned harp seal pups) for hematology and most serum chemistry parameters. In general, age-class influenced mean values of PCV, hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell (RBC) counts, MCV, mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts per 100 leucocytes, but most age-related variations were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly lower mean values of HB, PCV, MCH, and MCHC than did other seal groups, and significantly lower mean RBC counts than did hooded seal pups. Mean NRBC counts per 100 leukocytes were more than three times higher in harp seal pups than in hooded seal pups, but this difference was not statistically significant. Mean MCV were significantly lower in harp and hooded seal pups compared to those of adult harp and hooded seals. Differences in hemograms between pup species were likely because of the precocious development of hooded seal pups, which are weaned within 4 days, compared to 12 days for harp seal pups. Among adult seal groups, male hooded seals had significantly higher mean values of PCV and HB than did female harp and hooded seals, and significantly higher mean RBC counts than did adult female hooded seals. Among adult females, mean values of MCH and MCHC were statistically higher in hooded seals than in harp seals. Adult female harp and hooded seals did not differ significantly in other RBC parameters and mean leukocyte counts. Mean values of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin showed species-specific variations between adults and pups. Except for ALP, few significant differences in mean enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were found between seal groups. Mean concentrations of electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and total carbon dioxide) varied with age class, but variations in potassium and magnesium were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly higher mean phosphorus and potassium levels compared to other seal groups.     

Hematology and plasma chemistry values in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in Chile

To establish baseline hematologic and plasma biochemistry values in free-ranging Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), heparinized blood samples were collected from 51 apparently healthy, adult Humboldt penguins residing at two colonies off the Chilean coast. Thirty samples were collected in April, 1992, from penguins inhabiting the Ex-islote de los Pájaros Niños in Algarrobo, Chile. In September, 1992, 21 samples were collected from birds inhabiting Isla de Cachagua, Chile. Hematologic values measured include packed cell volume, leucocyte count, leucocyte differential, and the presence of blood parasites. Plasma biochemistry values measured include glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphorous, sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and creatine kinase. Only the mean values for chloride and for the number of eosinophils differed significantly between the two sample groups. No blood parasites were seen. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Biochemistry and haematology values for the baboon (Papio hamadryas): the effects of sex, growth, development and age.

A retrospective study evaluated the influence of sex and age on plasma biochemistry and haematology parameters in a captive-bred colony of baboons. Over 1,140 ETDA and heparin blood samples were obtained from 160 clinically normal baboons between the ages of 11 months and 11 years. Data for these blood tests were analysed for the effects of sex, age and sex age interactions. Sex, age and sex age interactions were detected for many plasma biochemistry and haematological parameters. The reference range values for platelets, white-blood cells and mean corpuscular volume and plasma chloride, glucose, total protein and iron were higher (P < 0.01) and red blood cell, plasma sodium, potassium, total CO2, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphate, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and phosphate were lower (P < 0.01) in the female compared to the male population. Sex age interactions (P < 0.05) were seen with haemoglobin, white blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphate, total bilirubin, total protein alkaline phosphatase, the liver enzymes and triglycerides. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was highest ( > 800 micro/l) in young juveniles of both sexes; creatinine was higher in older ( > 4 years) compared to younger baboons of the same sex (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.01) in young baboons compared to older animals.     

Seasonal variation in diagnostic enzymes and biochemical constituents of captive northern bobwhites and passerines

1. A variety of biochemical measurements were taken periodically in captive northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus L.), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris L.), red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus L.) and common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula L.) to determine whether baseline values remain sufficiently stable throughout the year for general clinical use in the absence of concurrent control specimens. 2. Variables included whole blood hematocrit and hemoglobin, plasma lactate dehydrogenase, alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, butyrylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, albumin, total protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and brain acetylcholinesterase. Butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase were included because of their specific uses in toxicology. 3. Significant seasonal differences were detected for each of the variables except brain acetylcholinesterase in at least one of the species. Significant species differences were detected during at least one season for all of the variables measured. 4. All species were maintained outdoors, but only northern bobwhites came into reproductive condition and showed sex-differences in the clinical variables during their normal breeding season. 5. It was concluded that reference values for the 18 clinical variables measured could be calculated from our data for adult specimens of the species studied, and that results for one species cannot be extrapolated with certainty to any other species. 6. Estimated normal bounds for each of the 18 variables measured by commonly used clinical procedures are presented for reproductively quiescent northern bobwhites, European starlings, red-winged blackbirds, and common grackles.     

BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF WILD HARBOR PORPOISES PHOCOENA PHOCOENA (L.)

Blood chemistry values were measured from 31 harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Sodium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, magnesium, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, cholesterol, serum osmolality, and alanine aminotransferase levels fell within ranges reported for captive harbor porpoises and other odontocetes. Glucose, potassium, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, thyroxine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were generally higher than those reported for captive odontocetes. Cortisol and creatinine levels were significantly higher ( P = 0.0356 and 0.0174, respectively) in porpoises that were handled for longer periods and fitted with electronic tags (mean cortisol value = 314 ± 107 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 94 ± 14 μmol/L) than those receiving roto-tags (mean cortisol value = 222 ± 82 nmol/L, mean creatinine value = 75 ± 15 μmol/L). A more controlled study of duration of handling, time spent out of water, degree of manipulation, and method of tag attachment is required to identify which factors are responsible for the stress response.     

Hematological, protein electrophoresis and cholinesterase values of free-living nestling peregrine falcons in Spain

Protein electrophoresis, hematological and cholinesterase values were determined in 32 nestling free-living peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) (15- to 27-days-old) in order to establish normal reference values for this population. The following values (mean +/- SD) were observed: prealbumin 0.31 +/- 0.04 g/dl, albumin 1.25 +/- 0.06 g/dl, alpha1 and alpha2-globulin 0.23 +/- 0.02 and 0.16 +/- 0.02 g/dl respectively, beta-globulin 1.02 +/- 0.05 g/dl, gamma-globulin 0.060 +/- 0.08 g/dl, total protein 3.79 +/- 0.18 g/dl, 21.26 +/- 1.30 white blood cells/microl (1 x 10(3)), 2.17 +/- 0.07 red blood cells/microl (1 x 10(6)), packed cell volume 37.58 +/- 0.82%, hemoglobin 20.96 +/- 0.29 g/dl, heterophils 61.14 +/- 2.50% and cholinesterase 1,184 +/- 75 IU/L. There were no difference in any of these parameters among males and females. The hematological values obtained could be considered as representative values in free-living nestling peregrine falcons.     

Physiological responses of the adult male collared peccary, Tayassu tajacu (Tayassuidae), to severe dietary restriction

Metabolic and hormonal responses of eight adult male collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) to an ad libitum diet intake, or 25% of an ad libitum intake, were examined. Blood samples for hematological, serum-biochemical and hormonal profiles were collected at three week intervals during the nine week experiment starting 4 August 1983. Males fed on the restricted diet lost an average of 26% of their body weight during the trial, compared to a slight weight gain for those fed ad libitum. Characteristics of the red and white blood cell populations were not influenced by diet intake, with the exception of mean corpuscular volume, which was consistently lower amongst males fed on the restricted diet. Restricted food intake resulted in significantly elevated serum values for urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen:creatinine, urea index, alpha globulin:beta globulin, gamma globulin:albumin, nonesterified fatty acids, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase isozymes (LD1 and LD2). Restricted food intake resulted in significantly lowered serum values for total alpha globulin, alpha-1 globulin, total beta globulin, beta-1 globulin, beta-2 globulin, glucose, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, copper and triiodothyronine. Serum levels of creatinine, total protein, albumin, alpha-2 globulin, uric acid, total bilirubin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorus, calcium:phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and thyroxine were unaffected by diet intake level. Semen evaluation indicated spermatogenesis was not affected by dietary restriction despite reductions in scrotal circumference and ejaculate gel volume. Serum testosterone levels were significantly lower among males fed on the restricted diet after nine weeks. These data suggest male libido might be depressed during poor range conditions, while maintenance of spermatogenesis might permit them to take immediate advantage of improved range conditions. Blood analysis of metabolic and hormonal function can provide useful information for predicting the adult male's nutritional and reproductive condition.     

Establishment of selected baseline blood chemistry and hematologic parameters in captive and wild-caught African white-backed vultures (Gyps africanus)

Despite the devastating collapse of three vulture populations on the Asian subcontinent as a result of their exposure to diclofenac, there is little available information on the normal physiology of many vulture species, including the African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus). Such information is needed to fully understand mechanisms for toxicity and to identify and prevent future health problems. The aim of this study was to establish baseline parameters for hematologic and selected serum chemistry parameters for this model species for further studies into the toxicity of diclofenac. Captive nonreleasable and wild African White-backed Vultures were used to determine reference values. For hematology, erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and total and differential leukocyte counts were measured. Chemical analytes measured included sodium, potassium, calcium, albumin, and globulin concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and alanine aminotransferase activities. Uric acid and urea concentrations and the urea:uric acid ratio also were evaluated. Values are presented as means, standard deviations, and reference intervals. The serum chemistry parameters selected may provide a starting point for the evaluation of changes in renal and hepatic function; these organ systems are most severely affected by diclofenac. Results were also compared with values reported for G. africanus nestlings, and from these results it is evident that the clinical pathologic parameters are age related. This indicates that the use of nestling values for the evaluation of clinical pathologic findings in adults may be unreliable and could lead to incorrect assumptions.     

Effect of leucogenenol,a thymothyroid hormone,on the enzymes and several other constituents of the serum

It has been found that rats treated with the thymothyroid hormone, leucogenenol, have significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in their serum 8 hrs. later. These levels remain elevated for 24 hrs. and 12 hrs., respectively. The concentrations of creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, urea nitrogen, uric acid and creatinine in the serum are not affected by treatment with leucogenenol. These results are in agreement with the previously reported findings that treatment with leucogenenol increases the rate of development of blood cells of the bone marrow, increases the rate of recovery from immunosuppression and enhances the immune response.     

Serum biochemical values in fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama</Emphasis> L.) from different habitats in Croatia

Serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples collected from 48 shot fallow deer from the Brijuni islands and 45 sedated fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from hunting grounds in the continental part of Croatia. The parameters were compared with regard to age, sex and habitat. Statistically significant differences were found for serum total protein concentration, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity between young and adult island deer, as well as for total protein, triacylglyceride, cholesterol concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity between young and adult continental deer. In young animals, island males had higher albumin concentrations, while continental males had higher alkaline phosphatase values than females. In adult animals, island males had a higher blood urea nitrogen concentration, while continental males had higher albumin and cholesterol concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities. In this group, males exhibited lower bilirubin and triacylglyceride concentrations than females. Our results indicate that besides age, sex and sampling method, nutritional and environmental factors should be considered when evaluating serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer     

Heritable components of feline hematology, clinical chemistry, and acid-base profiles

Four erythrocyte variables (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, mean cell volume, packed cell volume), 14 serum variables (alanine transferase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, total protein, triglycerides, urea nitrogen), and 7 venous acid-base variables (base excess, bicarbonate, carbon dioxide partial pressure, oxygen partial pressure, oxygen saturation, pH, and total carbon dioxide) were evaluated for heritability in domestic cats (Felis catus). Values used for individual cats were expressed as the mean over all lifetime measurements, using 444-530 animals for clinical chemistry, 629 animals for acid-base, and 564 animals for erythrocyte metrics. Gender and age at death (where applicable) also were evaluated for correlation with variables. Heritabilities for clinical chemistry, acid-base, and erythrocyte variables ranged, respectively, from 0.13 to 0.78, from 0.23 to 0.59, and from 0.41 to 0.69 (P < 0.05). This result indicates that serum variability has a genetic basis and is segregating in this feline population. These findings may have important implications in both research and clinical medicine.     

Higher rates of hemolysis are not associated with albuminuria in Jamaicans with sickle cell disease

Background

Albuminuria is a marker of glomerular damage in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). In this study, we sought to determine the possible predictors of albuminuria in the two more prevalent genotypes of SCD among the Jamaica Sickle Cell Cohort Study participants.

Methods

An age-matched cohort of 122 patients with HbSS or HbSC genotypes had measurements of their morning urine albumin concentration, blood pressure, body mass index, haematology and certain biochemistry parameters done. Associations of albuminuria with possible predictors including hematological parameters, reticulocyte counts, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were examined using multiple regression models.

Results

A total of 122 participants were recruited (mean age 28.6 years ±2.5 years; 85 HbSS, 37 HbSC). 25.9% with HbSS and 10.8% with HbSC disease had microalbuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio  =  30–300 mg/g of creatinine) whereas 16.5% of HbSS and 2.7% of HbSC disease had macroalbuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio>300 mg/g of creatinine). Mean arterial pressure, hemoglobin levels, serum creatinine, reticulocyte counts and white blood cell counts were statistically significant predictors of albuminuria in HbSS, whereas white blood cell counts and serum creatinine predicted albuminuria in HbSC disease. Both markers of chronic hemolysis, i.e. AST and LDH levels, showed no associations with albuminuria in either genotype.

Conclusions

Renal disease, as evidenced by excretion of increased amounts of albumin in urine due to a glomerulopathy, is a common end-organ complication in SCD. It is shown to be more severe in those with HbSS disease than in HbSC disease. Rising blood pressure, lower hemoglobin levels and higher white blood cell counts are hints to the clinician of impending renal disease, whereas higher rates of hemolysis do not appear to play a role in this complication of SCD.     

Hematological and plasma biochemical values for captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Hematological and blood biochemical parameters are of great importance in medical and veterinary practice. Unfortunately, normal reference range intervals for hematological and serum biochemical values in the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) have seldom been reported. The study reported here is based on data from blood samples collected from 44 monkeys over an 8-year period. Male and female data are displayed separately within two age categories: juveniles and adults, and effects for sex and age are examined. Significant differences between males and females are found for erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and α(1) globulin. Significant differences between juveniles and adults are found for neutrophils, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, total protein, serum iron, and some serum protein parameters and albumin/globulin ratio. These values are compared with values we previously reported, and their importance in care and well-being of captive tufted capuchin monkeys is discussed.     

Hematologic and biochemical values for Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured via drive-net and box-trap

Between October 2002 and September 2004, 70 free-ranging Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) were captured in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, using two different physical methods, drive-net (n=26) and box-trap (n=44). Blood samples were taken to determine 20 hematologic and 23 biochemical variables. Values obtained fell within already published reference intervals, with the following exceptions: higher values for red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC), eosinophil count, triglyceride concentration, creatine kinase (CK; in box-trap), chloride, sodium, alpha-1, alpha-2, and gamma electrophoretic fractions of serum proteins; and lower values for hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), urea concentration, CK (in drive-net), albumin, and albumin:globulins ratio (A:G). Published values for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration are both higher and lower than observed in this study. In our study, monocyte and eosinophil counts, as well as triglyceride and potassium concentrations, were lower in animals captured via box-trap than those captured via drive-net. Conversely, MCHC, neutrophil count, total bilirubin concentration, urea, and AST were higher in animals captured via box-trap. Hematologic and biochemical values obtained from Spanish ibexes show that the drive-net is a newer, less-stressful method of capture than the box-trap.