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.     

Hematological and serum biochemical indices in healthy bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata)

Background Blood reference values for bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) are limited. The goal of this study was to determine reference ranges for hematological and serum biochemical indices in healthy, socially housed bonnet macaques for males and females over a range of ages. Methods Blood hematological and serum biochemical values were obtained from 50 healthy bonnet macaques of both sexes and aged 10–234 months. Results Age and sex differences were present in a number of measures. Globulins, total protein, and creatinine (CREAT) values were highest among older subjects, while alkaline phophatase, albumin, and phosphorus values were higher in juveniles. Sex differences were present in concentrations of red blood cells and CREAT, with higher values in males. Conclusion The blood parameter data reported here as age‐specific reference values for laboratory‐housed, healthy bonnet macaques may be used to inform clinical care and laboratory primate research.     

Intraspecific correlations among morphology, performance and habitat use within a green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) population

We examined habitat use, morphology, jumping and clinging ability for 403 juvenile, female and male green anole lizards, Anolis carolinensis, in a population in south‐eastern Louisiana. We sought to answer three questions: (1) Do age/sex classes differ in habitat use, morphology and performance ability? (2) Do habitat use, morphology and performance correlate among all individuals across three age/sex classes (juveniles, females and males)? (3) Do juveniles compensate for their poor absolute performance capacities by being better performers on a relative scale? The three age/sex classes were found to differ significantly in size‐adjusted morphology, habitat use and size‐adjusted performance capacity. Juveniles tended to occupy perches which were closer together than those of adult males and females. The distal elements of the hindlimb (femur, tibia) were significantly longer in males than in females and juveniles, while females were more stocky than males and juveniles. The only significant overall ecomorphological relationship detected was between the lengths of the distal hindlimb elements and maximum jump acceleration. Our hypothesis that juveniles should be better performers (relative to size) compared to adults was disproved, as adult females were always the best performers relative to size. Our analysis of a mainland anole population presents a different view of population structure compared to similar studies involving Caribbean Anolis lizards, which show more ecological differentiation among age/sex classes, and also show that juveniles are relatively good performers. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 85 , 211–221.     

Social influences on the acquisition of sex-typical foraging patterns by juveniles in a group of wild tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus)

Foraging traditions in primates are becoming the subject of increasing debate. Recent evidence for such a phenomenon was recently provided for wild Cebus capucinus [Fragaszy & Perry, 2003]. To better understand the bases of animal traditions, one should examine intrapopulation behavioral variability and the influence of social context on within-group transmission of specific foraging patterns. We studied the variability of foraging patterns across age and sex classes, and the proximity patterns of juveniles to adults of both sexes in a group of wild tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus) living in the Iguazu National Park, Argentina. Foraging activity was examined for a period of 9 months in terms of proportions of focal samples devoted to foraging on certain food targets, microhabitats, and supports, and using specific foraging patterns. Proximity analyses were performed to reveal patterns of association between juveniles and adults. Sex differences in foraging behavior were present and overrode age differences. Overall, males ate more animal foods, foraged more for invertebrates on woody microhabitats (especially large branches), palms, and epiphytes, and used lower and larger supports than females. Females ate more fruits, foraged more on leaves and bamboo microhabitats, and used smaller supports than males. Juveniles were similar to adults of the same sex in terms of food targets, foraging substrates, and choice of supports, but were less efficient than adults. Proximity patterns indicated that juvenile males stayed in close spatial association with adult males and preferentially focused their "food interest" on them. This phenomenon was less evident in juvenile females. The degree to which juveniles, especially males, showed some of the sex-typical foraging patterns correlated positively with their proximity to adults of the same sex. These findings suggest that the acquisition of foraging behaviors by juvenile males is socially biased by their closeness to adults of the same sex.     

Hematological and serum chemistry profiles of free-ranging southern two-toed sloths in French Guiana.

Free-ranging southern two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) were translocated during the flooding of a forest at a hydroelectric dam site in French Guiana. Over an 11 mo period blood samples were collected from 90 sloths (38 males, 52 females) in order to determine hematological and serum chemistry reference values. Mean values and range of values were calculated for 13 hematological and 21 serum chemistry parameters. Variations associated with sex, age and reproductive status were identified. Males had a significantly lower red blood cell count than females. Immature animals had more monocytes while adults had more neutrophils and higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride values were higher in young than in adult sloths but uric acid was lower. Lactating females showed lower red blood cells count and iron levels than non-lactating females. These profiles will help to provide reliable baseline data for medical evaluation of sloths.     

Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone and steroid hormones in free-living winter groups of willow tits (Parus montanus)

Plasma levels of LH, DHT, testosterone, and corticosterone were measured for all members in free-living winter flocks of willow tits, Parus montanus. Hormonal data were related to (1) flock size and (2) age/sex differences. The winter flock defends a large winter territory and shows a well-established social hierarchy in which adults consistently dominate first-year birds. One winter group normally consists of four individuals, two adults and two juveniles. In flocks containing four or five members juvenile willow tits had significantly higher corticosterone values than adults. In small-sized groups, containing three members, all individuals had high plasma levels of corticosterone. No other effects of flock size was found. When data were treated on an age/sex basis, i.e., flock size was not considered, juvenile females were found to have significantly higher plasma levels of testosterone than adult birds, and also significantly higher levels of DHT than juvenile males and adult females. Also, juvenile willow tits had significantly higher plasma levels of corticosterone than adult birds.     

Age- and Sex-Based Hematological and Biochemical Parameters for Macaca fascicularis

Background

The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) has been increasingly used in biomedical research, making knowledge of its blood-based parameters essential to support the selection of healthy subjects and its use in preclinical research. As age and sex affect these blood-based parameters, it is important to establish baseline indices for these parameters on an age and sex basis and determine the effects of age and sex on these indices.

Methods

A total of 917 cynomolgus monkeys (374 males and 543 females) were selected and segregated by age (five groups) and sex. A total of 30 hematological and 22 biochemical parameters were measured, and the effects of age and sex were analyzed.

Results

Baseline indices for hematological and biochemical parameters were separately established by age and sex. Significant effects by age, sex, and age-sex interaction were observed in a number of blood parameters. In the 49–60 months and 61–72 months age groups, red blood cell count, hemoglobulin, and hematocrit showed significantly lower values (P<0.01) in females than males. Serum alkaline phosphatase varied with age in both sexes (P<0.01) and was significantly higher in females than males (P<0.05) in the groups aged 13–24 months and 25–36 months; however, in the three groups aged over 25–36 months, serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly lower in females than males (P<0.01). Creatinine concentration increased with age (P<0.01) in all age groups; specifically in the groups aged 49–60 months and 61–72 months, creatinine was significantly higher (P<0.01) in males than females. Total protein and globulin both increased with age (P<0.01).

Conclusion

The baseline values of hematological and biochemical parameters reported herein establish reference indices of blood-based parameters in the cynomolgus monkey by age and sex, thereby aiding researchers in selecting healthy subjects and evaluating preclinical studies using this species.     

The influence of age and sex on the vocal repertoire of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) and their responses to call playback

Limited information is available regarding the acoustic communication of Antillean manatees, however, studies have shown that other manatee taxa produce vocalizations as a method of individual recognition and communication. Here, the acoustic signals of 15 Antillean manatees in captivity were recorded, aiming to (1) describe their acoustic repertoire, (2) investigate the influence of sex and age on vocalization, and (3) examine manatee responses to call playback. Six acoustic signals ranging in mean fundamental frequencies from 0.64 kHz to 5.23 kHz were identified: squeaks and screeches were common to adult males, adult females, and juveniles; trills were common to adult males and females; whines were specific to males; creaks were specific to females; and rubbing was specific to juveniles. The structure of squeak vocalizations was significantly different between age and sex classes and screech structure was significantly different between age classes. Squeaks and screeches produced by juveniles had higher frequencies of maximum energy when compared to those produced by adult males and females. A significant increase in the vocalization rate following vocalization playbacks was found for all three age/sex groups. Our results introduce the potential of using acoustic signals in identifying and noninvasively monitoring manatees in the wild in Brazil.     

Haematology and blood chemistry of Cebus apella in relation to sex and age

An effective health care program entails the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical problems. A knowledge of baseline values in clinically normal individuals is essential for determining the limits between good health and disease and for understanding the changes produced by pathogenic agents. However, very little information is currently available concerning the blood chemistry and haematological values of different species of monkeys, particularly new-world primates. The values of some haematological and chemical parameters in Cebus apella were determined. The aim of the present work was to verify the effect of age and sex on normal blood values. Blood samples were collected once a year for two successive years from 36 monkeys living in large captive social groups. Significant differences between males and females were found for AST, GGT, urea nitrogen and creatinine, erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Significant differences between juveniles and adults were found for calcium, AST, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, neutrophils, lymphocytes and serum protein parameters.     

Fueling phocids: Divergent exploitation of primary energy sources and parallel ontogenetic diet switches among three species of subarctic seals

Determining how marine predators partition resources is hindered by the difficulty in obtaining information on diet and distribution. Stable isotopes (SI) of carbon (¹³C/¹²C, δ¹³C) and nitrogen (¹⁵N/¹⁴N, δ¹⁵N) provide a two‐dimensional estimate of the dietary space of consumers; an animal's isotopic composition is directly influenced by what they consume and where they feed. Harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals are abundant phocid species found in the North Atlantic. We measured and contrasted SI values between seals sampled at nearshore and offshore sites to test for effects of sampling location, sex, age‐class, and body size to gain insight into how these species partition space and prey resources. In addition we contrasted previously published results for gray seals (Halichoerus grypus). Isotope values differed significantly by age class and location in harp and hooded seals. We found significant differences in SI values (mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N ± SE) between all species. Hooded seals, a continental shelf‐edge, deep‐diving species, exhibited low SI values (juveniles: ?20.9‰ ± 0.03‰, 13.36‰ ± 0.05‰; adults: ?20.41‰ ± 0.03‰, 14.81‰ ± 0.04‰) characteristic of feeding on meso‐ to bathypelagic prey. Harp seals, which dive to moderate depths primarily on the shelf had intermediate SI values (juveniles: ?20.53‰ ± 0.01‰, 13.91‰ ± 0.01‰; adults: ?20.13‰ ± 0.01‰, 14.96‰ ± 0.01‰) characteristic of feeding on epipelagic prey, whereas gray seals, which feed on or near the sea floor in shallow shelf waters, had high SI values (juveniles: ?19.74‰ ± 0.04‰, 17.51‰ ± 0.05‰; adults: ?18.86‰ ± 0.01‰, 17.23‰ ± 0.02‰) characteristic of feeding on demersal prey. In all species, δ¹³C values increased with body size and age in the same manner, indicating that seals exploit or forage in deeper habitats as they get larger and older. We hypothesize that the consistent ontogenetic shift in foraging niche, despite large differences between species in their diving behavior, geographic range and habitat use, not only reflects increased access to different prey due to increased diving capacity, but a progressive adjustment to balance energy budgets by reducing foraging costs.     

Evaluation of high sensitive C-reactive protein and 5-10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype in Japanese young adults

Primary objective: To carry out a preliminary evaluation of subclinical inflammation and its genetic background in young adults.

Research design: Fifty-five healthy Japanese young adults aged 19–27 years (37 males and 18 females, mean age: 22.3 years), and 58 healthy Japanese adults aged 40 to 60 years (21 males and 37 females, mean age: 51.5 years) were included in this study.

Methods and procedures: We measured plasma high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and screened for the C677T polymorphism of the 5-10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR), which is considered a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis, by HinfI digestion.

Main outcomes and results: Hs-CRP levels of the young adult group were significantly lower than the levels of the middle aged group (0.014±0.030 mg/dl vs. 0.031±0.040 mg/dl, p=0.005). The levels were significantly higher in males than in females (0.028±0.019 mg/dl vs. 0.013±0.010 mg/dl, p=0.008) among young adults. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship of the C677T genotype and hs-CRP values, but found no association between them.

Conclusions: Although the sample size is limited, our preliminary study demonstrated the profiles of hs-CRP in Japanese young adults. Further investigation will be needed to establish the guidelines for customized school health education using sensitive laboratory and genetic markers.     

Seasonality and interindividual variation in mandrill feeding ecology revealed by stable isotope analyses of hair and blood

Mandrills are large-bodied terrestrial forest primates living in particularly large social groups of several hundred individuals. Following these groups in the wild to assess differences in diet over time as well as among individuals is demanding. We here use isotope analyses in blood and hair obtained during repeated captures of 43 identified free-ranging mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) from Southern Gabon, to test how dietary variation relates to the season as well as an individual's age and sex. We measured the stable carbon (δ¹³C‰) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N‰) isotope ratios in 46 blood and 214 hair section samples as well as from a small selection of mandrill foods (n = 24). We found some seasonal isotopic effects, with lower δ¹³C values but higher δ¹⁵N values observed during the highly competitive long dry season compared to the fruit-rich long rainy season. Variation in δ¹³C was further predicted by individual age, with higher δ¹³C values generally found in younger individuals suggesting that they may consume more high canopy fruit than older individuals, or that older individuals consume more low canopy foliage. The best predictor for δ¹⁵N values was the interaction between age and sex, with mature and reproductively active males revealing the highest δ¹⁵N values, despite the observation that males consume substantially less animal food items than females. We interpret high δ¹⁵N values in these mature male mandrill blood and hair sections to be the result of nutritional stress associated with intense male–male competition, particularly during mating season. This is the first study showing isotopic evidence for nutritional stress in a free-ranging primate species and may spark further investigations into male mandrill diet and energy balance.     

Blood lead level distribution by age group in inhabitants of Ankara

Blood lead levels of 619 healthy and nonoccupationally exposed inhabitants of central and rural parts of Ankara, (297 females and 322 males) ages 2–80, were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Lead also was determined in the whole blood samples from 66 (all male) occupationally exposed adults. The blood lead levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) among children (16.95 μg/100 mL as a geometric mean) than the subdivided age groups of adults (geometric means by decades of age group were ranged from 8.39 μg/100 mL to 14.34 μg/100mL). The levels were lower among young adults and gradually to reach a plateau at the 50–59 age group. Although females had lower lead blood levels than males, sex difference was insignificant (p>0.05).     

Sex ratio of a population of Anatolian ground squirrelsSpermophilus xanthoprymnus in Central Anatolia, Turkey

We studied the sex ratio of a population of Anatolian ground squirrels,Spermophilus xanthoprymnus (Bennett, 1835), living in a steppe area about 50 km south of Ankara, Central Anatolia, Turkey in 1999–2001. The sex ratio among juveniles and yearlings did not differ from 1∶1, but the sex ratio among adults (≥ 2 years old) was biased toward females. We concluded that from their second summer of life as yearlings onwards, males experienced higher mortality than did females. Such higher mortality is common in ground squirrels, and is likely due to the risks encountered when males disperse from their natal areas.     

Changes in various plasma lipid components, glucose, and insulin in Spermophilus lateralis during hibernation

This study evaluated fat mobilization as related to gluconeogenesis in two age groups of hibernating golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis). Our experimental group consisted of a total of 16 male and 15 female squirrels. Plasma samples were collected from selected animals being killed weekly from January to March, and the concentration of triglycerides, glycerol (GY), free fatty acids (FFA), total cholesterol, lipase activity, glucose, and insulin, were determined by biochemical assays and radioimmunoassay. Our results showed a mean FFA/GY ratio of five, which was higher than the predicted value of three, suggesting a significant depletion of GY and an enhanced rate of gluconeogenesis via GY to maintain glucose homeostasis in the hibernating animals. The factor of age did not significantly affect plasma lipid components. However, in the male group, plasma glucose levels were significantly higher for adults than for juveniles. Overall, females had significantly higher plasma glucose levels than males (150 ± 11 vs. 110 ± 8 mg%, P < 0.05). In the adult group, a gender influence was also seen on plasma insulin levels, with females' being higher than males' (66 ± 13 vs. 25 ± 3 μIU/ml, P < 0.01). We suggest that during hibernation, female squirrels may have a higher rate of lipolysis and gluconeogenesis along with a lower glucose utilization than their male counterparts. Additionally, adult females may exhibit a higher peripheral insulin resistance during hibernation than adult males, a possibility which merits further study.     

The effects of infant births on male–female relationships in Cebus capucinus

Most primates are characterized by cohesive male–female bonds that are maintained year round. While recent studies have addressed the selective pressures influencing the evolution of male–female relationships in primates, we know relatively little about the proximate mechanisms affecting them. It has been demonstrated that newborn white‐faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) attract the attention of other group members and this may be an important mechanism influencing male–female relationships. We studied two groups of C. capucinus in the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, between February and July 2007. A total of 348 hr of focal data were collected on all adult males (n=6) residing in each of the study groups. During our study, 13 of the 14 group females were either pregnant or lactating, and 9 infants were born. We calculated an average daily affiliation rate between all group males combined and each adult female four weeks before and four weeks after the birth of her infant. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed no significant changes in affiliation following infant births (F=2.262, df=1, P<0.176). Results remained nonsignificant for rank (F=1.550, df=1, P<0.260) and group membership (F=0.729, df=1, P<0.429). Infant sex was the only variable with a significant effect on affiliation rates between males and females (F=10.020, df=1, P<0.019). Adult males increased their affiliation with all adult females that gave birth to male infants (n=4), while their rates decreased with all but one of the adult females with female infants (n=4). While preliminary, these results indicate that the adult males may cultivate relationships with other males at a young age. Am. J. Primatol. 71:380–383, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Haematocrit values in chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica): variation with age and reproductive status

We studied haematocrit variation with age and reproductive status in chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) at Deception Island, South Shetlands. There was a significant difference in haematocrit values between different age groups (adults vs nestlings and juveniles). Adults had a higher haematocrit value than juveniles and nestlings and juveniles had higher haematocrit values than nestlings. There was also a significant difference in haematocrit values between adults of different status (breeding vs moulting). Breeding adults had higher haematocrit values than moulting adults. The observed differences between age groups were thought to be the result of different oxygen demands due to exercise. The observed differences between adults of different status could reflect the different demands associated with reproduction and moult fasting.     

Spatial distribution and life‐history aspects of blackspot seabream Pagellus bogaraveo (Osteichthyes: Sparidae)

Spatial distribution and life history aspects of Pagellus bogaraveo in the eastern Ionian Sea were investigated using the data from 13 different studies carried out in the area from 1983 to 2010. The spatial patterns of the abundance, biomass and mean size showed that the species inhabits the shallow waters of the shelf (<170 m depth) as juveniles up to a certain size (<180 mm total length, L_T), moving to deeper waters of the slope (mainly 400–500 m depth) as adults. The spatial pattern of abundance indicated a continuous distribution of the species in deep waters, with hot‐spot areas of high values, whereas in shallow waters distribution was more discontinuous, with higher concentrations of juveniles in estuaries and brackish waters. The study of biological aspects of the species revealed (1) a difference in the increase in mass between males and females, (2) protandrous hermaphroditism, accompanied by the presence of primary females and males that do not change sex, (3) a sex ratio in favour of females >250 mm L_T, (4) the presence of hermaphrodites between 200 and 370 mm, (5) a long reproduction period from June to March, (6) a size at first maturity around 300 mm and (7) a diet composition of adults based mainly on fishes, and also on opportunistic behaviour in the food scarce environment of deep waters. The results suggest that the species' distribution and feeding strategies are the most appropriate for the oligotrophic eastern Ionian waters and that these conditions result in smaller sizes of the species in the east Mediterranean Sea compared to the west basin and the east Atlantic Ocean, with implications for the growth and reproductive biology of the species.     

ONTOGENETIC AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN BLOOD PARAMETERS IN SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS

Blood samples were collected from 156 free-ranging southern elephant seals ( Mirounga leonina ) from Peninsula Valdes to study the variation in blood parameters related to ontogeny and the annual cycle. Samples ranged from newborn pups to adults. Interactions between age and sex showed different trends in ontogenetic changes of blood parameters (MANOVA, Wilkis' Lamb-da_12,243= 0.75, P < 0.01). The hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HB) reached adult levels early in life. Weanlings had 14 % higher HCT than pups, and similar levels to juveniles and adults (HCT range = 46%-62 %). HB of males were below those of females from weaning (18.4 vs . 20.3 g/dl) to adulthood (19.8 vs . 22.3 g/dl). Red blood cell counts (RBC) did not change significantly from pups to juveniles (2.8–3.2 10⁶/μl), but varied for adults at different times of the annual cycle. Breeding females had higher RBC than molting females (3.1 vs. 2.4 10⁶/μl). Changes in blood parameters are related to the development of diving capabilities from pups to juveniles. Changes in adults were associated with different stages of the annual cycle, and these may be the result of the requirements imposed by pregnancy and fasting duration.     

Length–weight relationships for the family Triglidae in the Adriatic Sea,northeastern Mediterranean

Length–weight relationships were estimated for the first time for seven species of gurnards (Triglidae) based on data collected over the past 27 years in the Adriatic Sea (northeast Mediterranean). Results show significantly different relationships between juveniles and adults (females and males combined) for Aspitrigla cuculus, Eutrigla gurnardus, Chelidonichthys lucerna and Lepidotrigla cavillone. Isometric growth of juveniles is indicated for four species, allometric growth of adults for all species.