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.     

Hematologic, protein electrophoresis, biochemistry, and cholinesterase values of free-living black stork nestlings (Ciconia nigra)

Hematologic, protein electrophoresis, serum biochemistry, and cholinesterase values were determined in 36 free-living black stork nestlings (Ciconia nigra) between 25 and 53 days of age in order to establish normal reference values for this population. The following values were evaluated: white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, prealbumin, albumin, alpha-globulin, beta-globulin, gamma-globulin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, calcium, phosphorus, iron, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, uric acid, urea, creatinine, total solids, bile acids, and butyrylcholinesterase. Sex-dependent differences were observed in hemoglobin, prealbumin, albumin, gamma-globulin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and triglycerides. Packed cell volume, butyrylcholinesterase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and creatinine increased with age, whereas albumin, mean cell volume, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, and total solids decreased with age. These hematologic and serum biochemistry values can be used as reference ranges in free-living black stork nestlings.     

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.     

Successive changes in the blood composition of experimental normal beagle dogs associated with age

Eight hematologic parameter values, 16 serum biochemical constituents, serum protein fractions and albumin-globulin ratios were determined in blood samples obtained from 879 normal, healthy Beagle dogs of both sexes which had been reproduced and bred in our laboratories. The blood samples were collected from the Beagles that ranged in monthly ages from 1 to 12 and in monthly ages from 13 to 121, which were classified as the adult class. As a result, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes increased with growth. Red blood cell parameters of normal Beagles in our laboratories were rather higher than those in literatures presented by many other researchers. MCV decreased and MCHC increased gradually with age. Total serum protein concentrations increased with growth. alpha 1-1 and alpha 1-2 Globulin fractions descended, but beta 2 and gamma globulin fractions ascended in serum proteins. Alkaline phosphatase activities, inorganic phosphorus concentrations and glucose concentrations decreased conspicuously with growth. Leucine aminopeptidase activities and calcium concentrations decreased slightly. Serum cholinesterase and LDH activities showed a tendency to diminish similarly. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations multiplied gradually. Hematologic parameters became almost steady in our 7-month-old dogs or older ones and serum biochemical constituents had a tendency to be stable in our 7- to 9-month-old dogs or older ones in the blood. White blood cell counts, alkaline phosphatase activities, inorganic phosphorus concentrations, glucose concentrations, leucine aminopeptidase activities and calcium concentrations were lowest in the adult class.     

A new rat model for dermatitis: constitutional abnormalities evidenced by hematological and serum protein determinations

Age-related and strain-specific patterns of various hematological values, differential counts of white blood cells, total serum protein concentrations and protein fractional values in ICR/d-strain rats were compared with those of two control strains, Jcl: Wistar and Jcl: SD rats from the 4th to 24th week of age, to study the factors related to chronic dermatitis. Determinations of hematological values and white blood cell differential counts revealed a definite tendency toward leukocytosis, relative neutrophilia and eosinophilia, significantly higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratios and significant thrombocytopenia, all of which progressed with age. Levels of total protein concentrations tended to be slightly lower than those of the two control strains at most ages, but the difference was significant only between the ICR/d and Jcl: SD rats. Fractional values of gamma- and beta-globulins showed relatively higher levels, both of which persistently increased with age and in approximately inverse correlation with the changes in the fractional values of albumin. Fractional values of alpha 1-globulin showed markedly lower levels than those of both control strains at all ages. In conclusion, ICR/d-strain rats have definite constitutional abnormalities possibly playing some role in the occurrence and progression of chronic dermatitis of the "atopic" type.     

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, plasma biochemistry, and antibodies to select viruses in wild-caught Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) from Illinois

During the 2004 field season, blood was collected from Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) in the Carlyle Lake (Carlyle, Illinois, USA) and Allerton Park (Monticello, Illinois, USA) populations to derive baseline complete blood count and plasma biochemistry data and to assess the prevalence of antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) and ophidian paramyxovirus (OPMV). Massasaugas were located for sampling through visual encounter surveys. Body weight, snout-vent length, total protein, globulins, sodium, and potassium were normally distributed among the survey population. Aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, albumin, calcium, uric acid, white blood cell count, heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were non-normally distributed within these animals. Female snakes had significantly shorter tail lengths; lower blood glucose, packed cell volumes, and absolute azurophil counts; and higher plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations than did males. None of the snakes tested (n=21) were seropositive for WNV, whereas all (n=20) were seropositive for OPMV.     

Hematologic effects of cytauxzoonosis in Florida panthers and Texas cougars in Florida.

Cytauxzoon felis is a long-recognized hemoparasite of free-ranging Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi), but its prevalence and effect on the population has not been assessed. Red blood cell indices and white blood cell counts were compared between infected and noninfected Florida panthers and Texas cougars (Puma concolor stanleyana) from 1983-1997 in Florida (USA). The prevalence of cytauxzoonosis for both populations was 39% (11/28) for Texas cougars, 35% for Florida panthers (22/63) and 36% overall. Thirteen hematologic parameters were compared between C. felis positive and negative panthers and cougars. Florida panthers had significantly lower mean cell hemoglobin count (MCHC) and higher white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts (P < or = 0.05) than Texas cougars. Infected Florida panthers had significantly lower mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and monocyte counts and higher neutrophil and eosinophil counts than infected Texas cougars. Although statistically significant differences were measured for hematologic parameters in C. felis positive panthers and cougars, biologically significant differences were not likely because values were generally within expected reference ranges for healthy animals. Cytauxzoonosis does not appear to have a negative effect on the hematologic parameters of chronically infected panthers and cougars. Potential transient changes during initial infection were not evaluated.     

Serum and urine biochemical indicators of nutritional status in adult female collared peccaries,Tayassu tajacu (tayassuidae)

• 1.1. Physiological responses of 13 adult female collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) to high quality and low quality diets, fed for 15 weeks, were examined. The low quality diet simulated energy and protein intake of peccaries during poor range conditions resulting from drought. Blood samples were collected after 10 and 15 weeks of dietary treatment; urine samples were collected after 15 weeks of treatment.
• 2.2. Females receiving the low quality diet for 15 weeks lost 27.4% of their original body weight, compared to no weight change among high quality-fed females.
• 3.3. Red blood cell counts, hematocrits, and hemoglobin concentrations were significantly greater among females fed a high quality diet compared to those receiving a low quality diet. High quality-fed females also had a higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was nearly twice as great among females receiving the low quality diet compared to the high quality group.
• 4.4. Consumption of the low quality diet resulted in significantly elevated serum levels of nonesterified fatty acids, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, alpha-2 globulin and alpha globulin: beta globulin ratio.
• 5.5. Consumption of the low quality diet resulted in significantly lowered serum levels of urea nitrogen, calcium, zinc, calcium: phosphorus, urea index, beta-1 flobulin, beta globulin: albumin ratio, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
• 6.6. Serum levels ofcreatinine, total bilirubin, glucose, cholesterol, gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, copper, magnesium, sodium chloride, total protein and gamma globulin were unaffected by diet quality.
• 7.7. Urine chemistry results suggested pH, osmolarity, albumin, creatinine phosphokinase, calcium and phosphorus concentrations might be useful indices for assessing nutritional status in female peccaries.

     

Haematological and biochemical blood reference values for Canary Island camels (Camelus dromedarius), an endangered dromedary species

The purpose of this research was to develop reference values for haematological and biochemical variables in the Canary camel breed (Camelus dromedarius). 114 clinically healthy dromedary camels were assessed. Age, sex, and pregnancy status was also recorded. The reference range for red blood cells (RBCs) was 8.45 – 13.65 X10⁶/µL, haemoglobin (HGB) was 10.61 – 15.29 g/dL, packed cell volume (PCV) was 19.93 – 32.51 %, and white blood cells (WBCs) 7.35 – 18.36 X10³/µL. A correlation was established between the haemoglobin concentration (HGB) (g/dl) and packed cell volume (PCV) obtaining a linear regression (HGB = 0.31 PCV + 4.67). Young animals had higher RBC and WBC values than adult animals. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus, calcium, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and lipase were higher in young animals compared with adults. Female dromedary camels showed higher values for the three main variables: RBC, HGB and PCV, but no differences between sexes were detected in the biochemical variables results. The WBC count was higher in non-pregnant females than in pregnant animals. These results provide references values for the Canary camel breed and may contribute to the understanding of differences in 18 haematological and biochemical parameters in dromedary camels with a potential impact in health and welfare for this species.     

The negative correlation between prolactin and ionic calcium in cord blood of full term infants

Total serum calcium (Ca), ionic calcium (Ca++), phosphorus, magnesium, total protein, immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcitonin (iCT) and prolactin (iPRL) were measured in 30 paired samples of cord and maternal blood obtained at term delivery. In the cord blood, the concentrations of Ca, Ca++, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, iCT and iPRL were all higher, and the concentrations of total protein and iPTH lower than in the maternal blood. The calcium binding capacity of albumin assessed with the equation (Ca-Ca++)/albumin, was similar at a given concentration of Ca in both the maternal and fetal circulations. There was a significant positive correlation between cord Ca++ and maternal Ca or Ca++, and a significant negative correlation between Ca++ and iPRL in cord blood. These data suggest that there is an active system transporting calcium from mother to fetus through the placenta, and PRL is the only one of the three hormones which was correlated with ionic calcium values in the fetus. The negative relationship between Ca++ and iPRL in the cord blood suggests an inhibitory effect of the relative hypercalcemia on PRL secretion in the fetus.     

Seasonal variations in physiological indices of adult female white-tailed deer in Texas

Seasonal variations in blood chemistry, urine chemistry, fat reserves, and crude protein levels of rumen contents were determined for free-ranging adult female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) in central Texas. Seasonal variations (P less than 0.05) existed for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratios, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, phosphorus, and sodium; and urinary urea/creatinine (U/C) ratios, rumen crude protein, the kidney fat index (KFI), femur marrow fat (FMF), and dressed weights. Variations in BUN, urinary U/C ratios, dressed weights, KFI, and FMF were attributed partially to the nutritional demands of late gestation and lactation.     

Electrophoretic protein analysis in the conditioned captive wild coyote, Canis latrans

Total protein, albumin and serum protein values were determined on 19 male and 14 female captive, vaccinated, wild coyotes. Male coyotes had significantly higher total protein, alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin levels than female coyotes. Captive, wild coyotes had lower values for total protein, albumin and beta globulins, and higher values for alpha 2 and gamma globulins than similar values for laboratory dogs. Albumin values determined by bromcresol green were slightly higher than values derived by electrophoresis. This difference was non-significant.     

Is blood collected from shot Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) useful for monitoring their physiological status?

Blood samples were analysed from 175 shot Iberian ibexes, and good-quality samples were obtained in more than 56% of cases. Sixty-eight of these samples from healthy animals were then used to characterize standard values for the species. Values for 10 blood parameters [monocytes, cholesterol, creatinine, albumin, beta-globulin, gamma-globulin, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, calcium (Ca), phosphates and iron (Fe)] from shot ibexes did not differ from those obtained from healthy captured and physically restrained animals. Blood samples from mange-infested ibexes (n=31) were also analysed and showed higher values for eosinophils and gamma-globulin than samples from healthy animals, but lower values for cholesterol, direct bilirubin, albumin, alpha-2-globulins and chloride. Values from blood parameters can provide useful information about the health and nutritional status of animals, and blood values may thus provide a complementary source of information for animals shot in Andalusia that will prove to be useful for monitoring the physiological status of ibex populations. The protocol described here provides guidelines for quick sample collection after an animal’s death and standardized instructions for sample storage, transport and analysis.     

HEMATOLOGY VALUES OF WILD HARBOR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) FROM THE BAY OF FUNDY,CANADA

Clinical hematology values were determined for 29 harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) released from herring weirs in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Erythrocyte values exhibited narrow ranges, but there was a high degree of individual variability in counts of white blood cells. Total white cell counts ranged from 2.6 to 15.5 ± 10⁹/liter, with an overall mean of 6.5 ± 2.7 ± 10±/liter. There were significant differences among reproductive classes in mean values of total red blood cells, hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCHC) and total monocyte count. Wild harbor porpoises had fewer white blood cells, lower relative total number of neutrophils and lymphocytes, and higher percentages of monocytes and eosinophils than reported in the literature for captive porpoises. Compared to published values for other odontocetes, the hemograms of harbor porpoises were most similar to those of Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus). These hematology data represent a baseline from free-ranging harbor porpoises that can be used as a reference for long-term monitoring of the health of this population and as a tool for rehabilitation facilities.     

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.     

The effects of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and early lactation on haematology and plasma biochemistry in the baboon (Papio hamadryas)

The changes in the haematology and clinical biochemistry associated with the different stages of the menstrual cycle, gestation and lactation in the baboon (Papio hamadryas) were evaluated in a prospective longitudinal study. Serial EDTA and heparin blood samples were collected from 12 baboons. Haemoglobin concentration, haematorcrit, red blood cell and white blood cell counts were decreased in the luteal compared to the follicular phase (P<0.001); the reverse effect was observed for platelet count, total protein and albumin concentrations. The changes in plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine and cholesterol and plasma osmolality were characterized by reductions (P<0.01) in early pregnancy which were maintained throughout gestation. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and alkaline phosphatase, as well as haemoglobin, haematocrit and red cell count were reduced (P<0.001) from mid-gestation. Platelet count and plasma calcium concentration fell continuously throughout gestation (P<0.001). Plasma triglycerides were lower and plasma iron was higher (P<0.01) in gestation compared to the phases of the menstrual cycle and lactation. By 1 week post partum, all parameters except haemaglobin had returned to pre-conception levels.     

Clinical pathology of nestling marabou storks in Uganda

Packed cell volumes (PCV) and plasma chemistry parameters were measured in 20 nestling marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) in January 2003 that were a part of a colony located in the center of the city of Kampala, Uganda. There were no significant differences (P> or =0.05) in plasma chemistry values or PCV between sexes with the exception of globulin and total plasma protein values, which were higher in females. There were significant differences (P< or =0.05) in blood glucose, creatine kinase, and globulin levels between birds of different body weight. Total plasma protein, uric acid, phosphorous, and creatine kinase were generally higher relative to published data on other avian species, including nestling white storks (Ciconia ciconia).     

Hematology, blood chemistry and selenium values of captive pronghorn antelope, white-tailed deer and American bison

Pronghorn were observed to have a significantly higher whole blood selenium concentration than either the white-tailed deer or bison. Pronghorn colloid values were significantly less than those of the bison, and approached statistical significance for the white-tailed deer. Differential white blood cell counts for the white-tailed deer were markedly different from those of the pronghorn and bison. The American bison had significantly higher cortisol values and lower T3 values than either the white-tailed deer or pronghorn.     

Blood chemistry and haematocrit of the black vulture (Aegypius monachus)

We determined the values of haematocrit and blood chemistry of the black vulture (Aegypius monachus) in Extremadura (Spain). We analysed 57 nestlings, five feral adults, seven captive individuals in their first year and five captive adults. Free-living adults had a higher haematocrit and lower calcium and alkaline phosphatases concentrations than captive birds. There were differences in haematocrit and in the concentrations of glucose, uric acid, total proteins, alkaline phosphatases, phosphorus and aspartate aminotransferase between nestlings and young in their first year and adults. The estimated age of the nestlings was significantly correlated with haematocrit, plasma glucose and total protein concentrations. The physical condition of nestlings was significantly correlated with plasma alkaline phosphatases levels.