Comparison of the Hematological Profile of Elite Road Cyclists during the 2010 and 2012 GiroBio Ten-Day Stage Races and Relationships with Final Ranking

Cycling stage races are strenuous endurance events during which exercise-induced variations in hematological parameters are consistently observed. However, specific literature on such changes is scarce and published data have been derived from small samples of athletes. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the hematological response to middle-term strenuous endurance; and (2) to determine whether a relationship exists between the athlete-specific hematological profile and final placement in a cycling stage race. The study population was male professional cyclists (n = 253) competing in the 2010 (n = 144) and 2012 (n = 109) GiroBio 10-day stage races. Blood draws taken before the start of the race, at mid-race, and at end-race were performed in strict compliance with academic and anti-doping pre-analytical warnings. Blood chemistry included white blood cell, red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean hemoglobin content (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC), platelets, and reticulocyte relative and absolute counts. Compared to baseline values, erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC, platelet and reticulocyte counts were all consistently lower at mid-race, but returned to normal by race-end, while leukocytes were increased in the final phase. MCV increased during both events. MCH increased in the first part to then return to baseline in the 2012 race. The calculated OFF-score consistently decreased in the first half of the race before increasing, but remained lower than the baseline value. The trends of variation in hematological parameters were substantially similar in both events. There was an inverse, albeit weak, relationship between placement and erythrocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, hematocrit and OFF-score values in the 2010, but not in the 2012 race. In conclusion, the data confirm that, in this large series of elite road cyclists, the strenuous effort a rider sustains during a stage race induces appreciable changes in the hematological profile.     

Changes in hematological parameters in free-living pigeons (Columba livia f. urbana) during the breeding cycle

The blood parameters—red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)—were studied for the first time in free ranging pigeons Columba livia f. urbana. The aim of the study was to establish a set of reference values for this ubiquitous urban species and to examine a potential influence of the factors such as sex and phase of the breeding cycle on the hematological parameters. Blood was sampled from the adult individuals of both sexes during the breeding cycle. Significant variations in Ht and Hb were observed, while RBC count remained unchanged. The lower hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentration found in both males and females during molt probably resulted from the increase of plasma volume not accompanied by an increase in RBC. On the other hand, a significant physiological stress of nutritional deficiency during this energy-consuming stage may manifest itself in the decreased Ht and Hb values. The higher values of Ht and Hb during the laying phase could be related to the dehydration status. There were no overall differences in MCV, MCH, and MCHC values in either of the breeding stage. A lack of sex dimorphism in the measured and calculated blood parameters was apparent. Data collected herein contribute to the better understanding of general physiology of the ubiquitous urban species. The knowledge of variation in the blood indexes with respect to sex and breeding stage is crucial before blood parameters can provide an useful information on physical condition of the bird.     

Widespread Lead Exposure in Golden Eagles Captured in Montana

Lead poisoning threatens many species of raptors, including golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Much of this lead likely comes from bullet fragments that remain in the carcasses of animals killed by hunters. The likelihood of lead exposure may peak during fall hunting seasons and early winter until carcasses from hunting become scarce. From 2011 to 2018 in western Montana, USA, we captured 91 golden eagles in winter, tested their blood lead levels (BLL), and outfitted a subset of birds (n = 29) with global positioning system [GPS] transmitters. Nearly all golden eagles (94.5%) had elevated BLL (≥10 μg/dL), and 8 of them had BLL above clinical exposure (>60 μg/dL), where they may lose coordination and experience a host of other neurological and physiological disorders. Golden eagles caught late in winter tended to have lower BLL than those caught earlier. At least 69% of the golden eagles equipped with GPS transmitters migrated northward, spending the summer throughout Alaska, USA, and northwestern Canada. Blood lead levels did not differ between migratory and nonmigratory golden eagles. Overall, elevated BLL are widespread among golden eagles throughout winter in western Montana. Promoting nonlead hunting ammunition in areas with high densities of golden eagles will reduce the birds' lead exposure. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.     

Impact of the California lead ammunition ban on reducing lead exposure in golden eagles and turkey vultures

Predatory and scavenging birds may be exposed to high levels of lead when they ingest shot or bullet fragments embedded in the tissues of animals injured or killed with lead ammunition. Lead poisoning was a contributing factor in the decline of the endangered California condor population in the 1980s, and remains one of the primary factors threatening species recovery. In response to this threat, a ban on the use of lead ammunition for most hunting activities in the range of the condor in California was implemented in 2008. Monitoring of lead exposure in predatory and scavenging birds is essential for assessing the effectiveness of the lead ammunition ban in reducing lead exposure in these species. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the regulation in decreasing blood lead concentration in two avian sentinels, golden eagles and turkey vultures, within the condor range in California. We compared blood lead concentration in golden eagles and turkey vultures prior to the lead ammunition ban and one year following implementation of the ban. Lead exposure in both golden eagles and turkey vultures declined significantly post-ban. Our findings provide evidence that hunter compliance with lead ammunition regulations was sufficient to reduce lead exposure in predatory and scavenging birds at our study sites.     

Biochemical and hematological effects of lead ingestion in nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius)

One-day old American kestrel (Falco sparverius) nestlings were orally dosed daily with 5 microliters/g of corn oil (controls), 25, 125 or 625 mg/kg of metallic lead in corn oil for 10 days. Forty per cent of the nestlings receiving 625 mg/kg of lead died after 6 days and growth rates were significantly depressed in the two highest lead dosed groups. At 10 days hematocrit values were significantly lower in the two highest lead treated groups, and hemoglobin content and red blood cell delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity was depressed in all lead treated groups. Plasma creatine phosphokinase decreased in the two highest treatment groups. Brain, liver and kidney ALAD activities, brain RNA to protein ratio and liver protein concentration decreased after lead exposure whereas liver DNA, DNA to RNA ratio and DNA to protein ratio increased. Brain monoamine oxidase and ATPase were not significantly altered. Measurements of the ontogeny of hematological variants and enzymes in normal development, using additional untreated nestlings, revealed decreases in red blood cell ALAD, plasma aspartate amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, brain DNA and RNA and liver DNA, whereas hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma alkaline phosphatase, brain monoamine oxidase, brain ALAD and liver ALAD increased during the first 10 days of posthatching development. Biochemical and hematological alterations were more severe than those reported in adult kestrels or precocial young birds exposed to lead. Alterations may be due in part to delayed development.     

Hematology and recovery response in jacundá, Crenicichla saxatilis (Linnaeus, 1758) after short‐term handling stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the hematological response of ringtail pike cichlid ornamental fish (Crenicichla saxatilis) during the recovery period after short‐term stress. The fish were previously submitted to the stress of chasing, capture and air exposure. Assayed were 24 C. saxatilis (85.2 ± 61.6 g) in three groups of eight fish; after 0.5, 6 and 24 h recovery, blood samples were collected. The total erythrocyte, relative thrombocyte and differential leukocyte counts as well as total hemoglobin, hematocrit, glucose, total plasma protein and the red blood cells (RBC) indices of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and MCH concentration (MCHC) were determined. Stress responses were observed after 0.5 h, although hyperglycemia remained constant during the experiment. Total lymphocyte and hemoglobin values decreased after 0.5 h in the recovery period. An increase of neutrophils and monocytosis was observed after 0.5 and 6 h, respectively. The MCHC remained stable until after 0.5 h, then varied from this time forward. MCV, MCH and erythrocyte numbers oscillated throughout the experiment. Intense stress was observed in the studied C. saxatilis, with most hematological variables not returning to their initial levels after 24 h.     

Influences of thiamin on lead intoxication, lead deposition in tissues and lead hematological responses of Tilapia zillii.

1. Lead levels in the blood, kidney, liver, brain and muscle of fish receiving only lead were elevated markedly over the values of both controls and thiamin-treated fish. 2. No statistical difference was observed between the lead levels in bone samples of both fish receiving only lead and thiamin-treated fish. 3. In contrast to the fish receiving only lead the fish treated with thiamin appeared to be healthy and had no lead poisoning signs. 4. Over the period of study, hemoglobin content and red blood cell counts of fish receiving only lead showed significant decreases from the values of both controls and fish treated with thiamin. 5. Hematocrit values and white blood cell counts were uninfluenced by either lead exposure or thiamin treatment at all intervals. 6. The data suggest that thiamin can serve as a promising natural chelator to prevent fish mortality, not only in short term, but also in prolonged exposure.     

Changes in hematologic values in 11 months after birth in the cynomolgus monkeys

Changes in hematological values were studied with 131 healthy cynomolgus monkeys aged less than 11 months. The parameters measured were erythrocyte count (RBC), hematocrit value (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), total leucocyte count (WBC), and differential leucocyte count. No remarkable change was found with RBC during the whole period of this study. Relatively high values were obtained with Ht, MCV, and Hb in the newborns aged 0 to 7 days. These values continued to decrease until 3 months of age, after which the values increased again attaining approximately adult levels at 11 months of age. WBC was very high at birth and then decreased to the minimum level at 3 days of age. It was followed by gradual increase until about 4 months of age at which a nearly adult level was attained. Lymphocyte counts were smaller than neutrophil counts on the day of birth. However, this numerical relation was inverted 2 days after birth and the lymphocyte counts became markedly larger than the neutrophil counts about 1 week after birth. Additionally, the values obtained from the cord blood of 6 Cesarean-delivered newborns were compared with those from the blood taken 5 hours after cesarean delivery.     

Lead Exposure in Bald Eagles from Big Game Hunting,the Continental Implications and Successful Mitigation Efforts

Studies suggest hunter discarded viscera of big game animals (i.e., offal) is a source of lead available to scavengers. We investigated the incidence of lead exposure in bald eagles in Wyoming during the big game hunting season, the influx of eagles into our study area during the hunt, the geographic origins of eagles exposed to lead, and the efficacy of using non-lead rifle ammunition to reduce lead in eagles. We tested 81 blood samples from bald eagles before, during and after the big game hunting seasons in 2005–2010, excluding 2008, and found eagles had significantly higher lead levels during the hunt. We found 24% of eagles tested had levels indicating at least clinical exposure (>60 ug/dL) during the hunt while no birds did during the non-hunting seasons. We performed driving surveys from 2009–2010 to measure eagle abundance and found evidence to suggest that eagles are attracted to the study area during the hunt. We fitted 10 eagles with satellite transmitters captured during the hunt and all migrated south after the cessation of the hunt. One returned to our study area while the remaining nine traveled north to summer/breed in Canada. The following fall, 80% returned to our study area for the hunting season, indicating that offal provides a seasonal attractant for eagles. We fitted three local breeding eagles with satellite transmitters and none left their breeding territories to feed on offal during the hunt, indicating that lead ingestion may be affecting migrants to a greater degree. During the 2009 and 2010 hunting seasons we provided non-lead rifle ammunition to local hunters and recorded that 24% and 31% of successful hunters used non-lead ammunition, respectively. We found the use of non-lead ammunition significantly reduced lead exposure in eagles, suggesting this is a viable solution to reduce lead exposure in eagles.     

Preparing for winter: divergence in the summer-autumn hematological profiles from representative species of the squirrel family

We examined hematological parameters in four related sciurid species in the late summer-autumn to assess the role of habitat, elevation, body size, and behavior in shaping these parameters. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and Arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) were sampled in southwestern Yukon, yellow-pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) in southern Alberta, and the eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in southern Ontario. We obtained whole blood samples from each species and compared glucose levels, red blood cell characteristics (hematocrit, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), and white blood cell counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) across species. We found species differences in glucose and red blood cell characteristics that may be a function of activity levels, phylogeny, or elevation, but not of body size, body condition, or adaptations to a semi-fossorial habitat. We also found species differences in white blood cell counts that remain unexplained by any single simple explanation and may be more useful for comparison of individuals within a given species than for interspecies comparisons.     

Hematological change in venous blood of the lower leg during prolonged sitting in a low humidity and hypobaric environment

The present study examined the effects of low humidity and hypobaric conditions on hematological change in venous blood of the lower leg during quiet prolonged sitting. Ten healthy male students participated as the subjects after singing a consent form to participate in this study. Their diet and water intake were controlled from 19:00 on the day before the experiments. The subjects sat for 130 min in a climatic chamber. Four experimental conditions in the chamber were designed from a combination of relative humidity (20% or 60%) and air pressure (sea level or equivalent to an altitude of 2,000 m). Ambient temperature was maintained at 24 degrees C in every condition. Venous blood was sampled from the lower leg before and after exposure to the experimental conditions, and was analyzed for blood viscosity and hematological indices. Also, body weight and leg circumference were measured as indices of total water loss and edema, respectively. Regarding the results of ANOVA, significant interactions between humidity and time were observed in blood viscosity, red blood cell count and hematocrit (each p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in these indices among the conditions. Significant increases were observed in leg circumference (p<0.01), platelet count (p<0.05) and total protein (p<0.05) after the exposure compared with those before the exposure. There were no noticeable effects of hypobaric conditions in every measurement. In conclusion, prolonged sitting seems to be a more hazardous factor for thrombogenesis low humidity and hypobaric conditions during a long-distance flight.     

Hematological analyses of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Various hematological examinations were performed on a total of 208 Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata). One hundred and fifty-eight of the monkeys were originally from different habitats in the western part of Japan, where they existed as free-ranging animals. The remaining 50 monkeys were kept in an open-enclosure for about one year. Laboratory examinations on blood specimens included the following; the erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, the specific gravity of the blood and plasma, protein concentration of the plasma, SGO-T, SGP-T, A/G ratio and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Results were similar to those reported for otherMacaca species. When the data reported here was compared with the known values for man, the Japanese monkey showed lower values for the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and the specific gravity of the blood. Higher values were shown for the leukocyte count and SGO-T activity, with a wider overall range of variation.     

Influences of thiamin on lead intoxication,lead deposition in tissues and lead hematological responses of Tilapia zillii

1. Lead levels in the blood, kidney, liver, brain and muscle of fish receiving only lead were elevated markedly over the values of both controls and thiamin-treated fish.2. No statistical difference was observed between the lead levels in bone samples of both fish receiving only lead and thiamin-treated fish.3. In contrast to the fish receiving only lead the fish treated with thiamin appeared to be healthy and had no lead poisoning signs.4. Over the period of study, hemoglobin content and red blood cell counts of fish receiving only lead showed significant decreases from the values of both controls and fish treated with thiamin.5. Hematocrit values and white blood cell counts were uninfluenced by either lead exposure or thiamin treatment at all intervals.6. The data suggest that thiamin can serve as a promising natural chelator to prevent fish mortality, not only in short term, but also in prolonged exposure.     

Hematological and serum biochemical effects of nursing on the mother in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)]

The effects of nursing on maternal hematological and serum biochemical values were analyzed in cynomolgus monkeys reared in indoor cages at Tsukuba Primate Center. In our breeding system, infants are usually separated from their mothers at the age of 121 to 180 days. Mother monkeys of such infants were studied hematologically and biochemically (Group B), as were mother monkeys who happened to have nursed their infants past 181 days after parturition (Group A). During the period with their infants, mother monkeys in the latter group showed lower white blood cell counts (WBC) and higher red blood cell counts (RBC), hematocrit values (Ht) and blood urea nitrogen concentrations (BUN) than the mother monkeys who had been separated from their infants. Also, serum calcium concentrations (Ca) were decreased with prolonged nursing periods, indicating that lactation by the mother monkey probably continues even for a period from 181 days to about one year after parturition if she nurses her infant. Lactation during this period may accelerate hematogenesis and protein metabolism in the mother monkey.     

Hematology of a Semi-Free-Ranging Colony of Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)

We examined hematological parameters for a semifree-ranging population of mandrills to investigate the influence of age and sex, and to establish normative values for age-sex classes. We also investigated the influence of the reproductive cycle on hematological parameters in females and the influence of seasonality on both sexes. We examined hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, white cell count, red cell count, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and differential white cell counts, with a total of 459 observations. Red cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are significantly lower in females than in males, while female white cell counts are significantly higher. Platelet and white cell counts both decreased with age, while MCV and MCHC (males only) increased with age. Absolute lymphocyte counts also decreased with age. Female reproductive status had little effect on hematology, but melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin, white cell count, red cell count, and hematocrit. Finally, lymphocyte counts increased significantly during the wet season in comparison with dry months, which may be related to increased parasite infection during the wet season. We compare our findings to those for other species, and discuss age-sex patterns in light of mandrill life history. Our results demonstrate the importance of including age-sex class, female reproductive status, and season in studies of hematology and will be useful in further studies of the colony.     

Lead toxicity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis

Environmental exposure to toxic levels of lead occurs in a number of industries with potential adverse effects on the reproductive capacity of exposed men. Clinical and animal studies indicate that abnormalities of spermatogenesis result from toxic lead exposure, but the pathogenetic mechanisms involved have not been identified. In order to ascertain what reproductive abnormalities occur in experimental animals when exposed to low levels of lead, 52-day-old animals were treated with water containing 0.0% (control), 0.1%, or 0.3% lead acetate for 30 days prior to killing. Whole blood serum lead levels were below detection (less than 7 micrograms/dl) in the control animals, 34 +/- 3 micrograms/dl in the 0.1% group, and 60 +/- 4 micrograms/dl in the 0.3% group (P less than 0.001). Significant negative correlations between whole blood lead levels and serum and intratesticular testosterone values were found (r = 0.64, P less than 0.001 and r = 0.6, P less than 0.001, respectively). As the level of lead exposure increased, intratesticular sperm counts significantly decreased (r = 0.81, P less than 0.001). No significant changes in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) values were found, but sperm follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) values were significantly suppressed (P less than 0.05) after lead treatment. There was a significant decrease in ventral prostate weight (P less than 0.05), but no differences in testicular or seminal vesicle weights. Our data indicate that dietary exposure to lead resulting in whole blood serum lead values considered acceptable in the workplace (less than or equal to 40 micrograms/dl) causes inhibition of testicular function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diphenyl diselenide protects against hematological and immunological alterations induced by mercury in mice

Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause a variety of toxic effects on the organism, such as hematological and immunological alterations. In the present investigation, deleterious effects of mercury-intoxication in mice and a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)(2) were studied. Male adult Swiss albino mice received daily a pretreatment with (PhSe)(2) (15.6 mg/kg, orally) for 1 week. After this week, mice received daily mercuric chloride (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) for 2 weeks. A number of hematological (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, and leukocytes differential) and immunological (immunoglobulin G and M plasma concentration) parameters were evaluated. Another biomarker of tissue damage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), was also determined. The results demonstrated that mercury exposure caused a reduction in the erythrocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and platelet counts and an increase in the reticulocyte percentages. (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against the reduction in hematocrit, hemoglobin, and leukocyte levels. (PhSe)(2) ameliorated reticulocyte percentages increased by mercury. However, (PhSe)(2) was partially effective in preventing against the decrease in erythrocyte and platelet counts. Immunoglobulin G and M concentrations and LDH activity were increased by mercury exposure, and (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against these effects. In conclusion, (PhSe)(2) was effective in protecting against hematological and immunological alterations induced by mercury in mice.     

Clinical pathology and morphometrics of African fish eagles in Uganda

Packed cell volumes (PCVs) and plasma chemistry parameters were measured in 15 adult and 18 nestling African fish eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) sampled from June 2002 through January 2003 in Uganda. Morphologic measurements were obtained from 15 adult eagles. All eagles were examined for blood parasites and sexed by examination of DNA from red blood cells. Ten adults and eight nestlings were sampled from Lake Mburo and five adults and 10 nestlings were sampled from Lake Victoria near Entebbe, Uganda. Analysis of variance was conducted to assess the association between site, age, sex, and plasma chemistry parameters and the association between sex and morphologic characteristics. Plasma chemistry values for nestling and adult African fish eagles were similar to those reported for other captive and free-ranging eagle species. Packed cell volumes for nestling African fish eagles were markedly lower than values reported for nestlings of other eagle species, although the mean estimated age of nestlings sampled also was lower. A significant association (P < or =0.05) was found between PCV of nestling eagles and study site (lower at Lake Mburo) but no association was found between PCV and nestling body weight (P> or =0.05). An unidentified Plasmodium sp. was present in erythrocytes of three nestlings from Lake Mburo. No other blood parasites were seen. There was significant variation (P< or =0.05) in PCV, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, cholesterol concentrations, and creatine kinase activity between adults and nestlings; all were lower in adults. Aspartate transaminase activity was higher in adults. Like other Haliaeetus sp., body weight, bill depth, culmen length, footpad length, and hallux length as well as bill depth measurements were significantly (P < or = 0.05) greater for females than males. The objective of the study was to provide baseline biologic and physiologic information that may prove useful in the management and study of captive and wild populations of African fish eagles.     

Health evaluation of a pronghorn antelope population in Oregon.

During 1996 and 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted a study to determine the cause(s) of population decline and low survival of pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) fawns on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (HMNAR) located in southeastern Oregon (USA). As part of that study, blood, fecal, and tissue samples from 104 neonatal fawns, 40 adult does, and nine adult male pronghorns were collected to conduct a health evaluation of the population. Physiological parameters related to nutrition and/or disease were studied. No abnormalities were found in the complete blood cell counts of adults (n = 40) or fawns (n = 44 to 67). Serum total protein and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were lower compared to other pronghorn populations. Does had mean BUN values significantly lower (P < 0.001) in December 1996 than March 1997. Serum copper (Cu) levels in does (range 0.39 to 0.74 ppm) were considered marginal when compared to domestic animals and other wild ungulates. Fawns had low (0.28 ppm) Cu levels at birth and reached the does' marginal values in about 3 days. Whole blood, serum and liver selenium (Se) levels were considered marginal to low in most segments of the pronghorn population. However, serum levels of vitamin E (range 1.98 to 3.27 microg/ml), as determined from the does captured in March, were apparently sufficient to offset any signs of Se deficiency. No clinical signs of Cu or Se deficiency were observed. Fifty-five of 87 dead fawns were necropsied. Trauma, due to predation by coyotes (Canis latrans), accounted for 62% of the mortality during mid-May to mid-July of each year. Other causes included predation by golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) (4%), dystocia (2%), septicemic pasteurellosis (4%), starvation (5%), and unknown (23%). Adult females were tested for serum neutralizing antibodies to Brucella spp. (n = 20, negative), Leptospira interrogans (n = 20, negative), bluetongue virus (n = 20, 35% positive), epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (n = 20, 30% positive), respiratory syncytial virus (n = 18, negative), parainfluenza virus type 3 (n = 18, 67% positive), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (n = 18, negative), and bovine viral diarrhea (n = 18, negative). Considering the parameters examined, we found no apparent predisposing factors to mortality including those killed by coyotes, but some nutritional parameters suggest that pronghorns on HMNAR exist on a diet low in protein and Se and marginal in Cu. The effect these factors have on the population is not known.     

Hematological changes in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) during eight months' adaptation to captivity

This study investigated fluctuations in hematological values of 50 wild-caught vervet monkeys (African green monkeys, grivets, Chlorocebus aethiops) during habituation to captivity. The monkeys were categorized into four groups according to age and sex viz adult males, adult females, juvenile males, and juvenile females. The erythrocyte values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the adult males than in the other animals. There was an increase in most of the erythrocyte parameters studied during the monitoring period with the most significant being hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume. However, the red cell distribution widths, which were higher in adult females, declined. The total white blood cell (WBC) counts, which were higher in adult females than in the other animals, were closely correlated with granulocytes counts. The WBC levels decreased in all the animals throughout the 8 months study, indicating gradually decreasing stress, but they were relatively stable in males. The platelet counts declined significantly (P<0.05) and at 8 months post capture the counts were higher in females than in males. The juvenile female platelet counts were relatively stable during the monitoring period. The maintenance of the monkeys on an improved stable diet and in environment-controlled housing combined with progressing psycho-physiological adaptation may be important factors for the gradual improvements of the hematological values recorded. There were wide variations in these between individual animals emphasizing the need for long adaptation combined with establishment of individual baseline values before experimental studies.