Age, sexual and seasonal differences of haematological values and antibody status to Chlamydophila sp. in feral and racing pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) from an urban environment (Zagreb, Croatia)

The aim of this study was to determine the basic haematological parameters in feral and racing pigeons and to compare these parameters according to age, sex and season in healthy feral pigeons as well as between Chlamydophila-serologically positive and negative feral pigeons. Red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood count (WBC), thrombocyte count and differential WBC, were determined in 366 pigeons (Columba livia forma domestica) captured in the City of Zagreb between 1999 and 2002. Of these, 232 feral (179 adult and 53 juvenile, 104 male and 75 female) and 57 racing pigeons (25 male and 32 female) were clinically healthy and bacteriologically and serologically negative, but 77 birds had antibody titres against Chlamydophila sp. Significantly lower values of RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, WBC and thrombocyte (P<0.05) were observed in young compared to adult pigeons, while the differences in MCV and MCH were not significant between age classes. In differential WBC of young pigeons, a significantly higher percentage of heterophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes and a significantly smaller percentage of lymphocytes (P<0.01) was found than in adult pigeons. Significant sex-related differences were seen only in MCV values and in the percentage of lymphocytes (higher in females) and neutrophils (higher in males). PCV, Hb, MCV and MCH increased, while WBC decreased during wintertime (P<0.05). In differential WBC, percentage of heterophils was low in summer and autumn. At the same time, a higher percentage of basophils was found. Low numbers of monocytes were found in summer and low values of eosinophils in winter. In racing pigeons, values of eosinophils and basophils were significantly lower than in feral pigeons. Pigeons which had antibodies against Chlamydophila sp. possessed a higher percentage of monocytes and less lymphocytes than sero-negative animals, while WBC was significant lower than in sero-negative feral pigeons.     

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.     

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and mean blood lipid values in Taiwan: results from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT, 1993-1996)

This paper reports the blood lipid status of people aged 4 years and older in Taiwan. The data is based on the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT: 1993-1996), which adopted a multi-stage, stratified clustering sampling scheme. Altogether, 5097 subjects (2451 males and 2646 females) had data on triglyceride and 5643 subjects (2736 males and 2907 females) had data on cholesterol. We found that (a) cholesterol levels of males were lower than females in mid-to old age group (> or = 45 years old); (b) triglyceride values of females were lower than males in young adulthood (19-44 years), but higher than males after the age of 45 years, and (c) adult females had higher HDL-C value and lower ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C than males. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 10.2% in adult males and 12.6% in mid-to-old aged men, and that in females was 11.2% and 24.4%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 13.4% and 6.1% in adult males and females (> or = 19 years as a whole), respectively. It was 12.3% in mid-to-old aged men (> or = 45 years), and 11.9% in women. The mean cholesterol values were similar to values of several previous surveys in different areas of Taiwan. But it was higher than those in some areas of Mainland China, and lower than those of western countries. People in metropolitan cities had a higher level of blood cholesterol than other areas. The average triglyceride values of males and females were higher than those of previous studies in Taiwan and of people in Mainland China. Mountainous stratum with predominantly aboriginal residents had higher level of triglycerides and body mass index (BMI) than other strata. The associations between dietary intakes of men and women and blood lipids were examined controlling for age and BMI. Result showed that Keys score, which was derived from saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and dietary cholesterol of a 24-hour recall, was positively related to blood cholesterol and LDL-C in men, but not in women. Average alcohol intakes per day were related to HDL-C positively, but LDL-C negatively in men and women. The regional differences in blood lipid profiles in Taiwan are consistent with the dietary and life-style variations island-wide.     

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.     

Relationships of anti-PAc (361-386) peptide salivary IgA antibody, eosinophils and basophils with periodontal status in the elderly

The amino acid residues 361-386 of Streptococcus mutans PAc includes an important region associated with the interaction between S. mutans and salivary components. We investigated the relationships between levels of the anti-PAc (361-386) peptide antibody (PPA) in saliva and periodontal status in 281 elderly subjects (mean age 77 years; 118 females, 163 males) by assessing dental calculus (CA), attachment loss (AL), pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and various blood parameters. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed that subjects with a PPA level of greater than 0.1 (PPA detected group) showed a lower average value for number of sites with more than 6 mm of AL/6 points x 100/tooth (rAL6) than those with a PPA level of less than 0.1 (PPA not detected group). Furthermore, average values for rAL6 were significantly lower in the PPA detected group, and BOP, AL and rAL6 correlated positively and significantly with the percentage of eosinophils present in leukocytes in female subjects in both groups. PPA level had a negative correlation with percentages of basophils and eosinophils. The results indicate that systemic increases in numbers of eosinophils and basophils are associated with the development of periodontal diseases, while PPA level may be a useful indicator of periodontal status.     

Reproductive success, mortality and sexual size dimorphism in the adder, Vipera berus

From 1981 to 1986 an isolated adder population was studied in the extreme south of Sweden. During this period 48 adult males and 44 adult females were marked. Male adders did not grow as large as the females. Large males had a significantly higher annual mating success and were engaged in more combats than smaller males. The mean length of recaptured males was significantly lower than that of those not recaptured, indicating a higher motality of larger males. Females brood size was positively correlated with body size. In females there was no difference in mean length of recaptured vs not recaptured individuals. The adder is one of the few snake species with male combat where males are smaller than females. I suggest that this is due to stronger selective advantages for large body size in females than in males.     

Age and gender related changes in hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals

Abstract

Hematological and biochemical profiles commonly are required in equine medicine. We studied hematological parameters including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (PCV), differential leukocyte counts, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in thoroughbred foals at different ages and for both sexes. Sixty healthy thoroughbred foals, 1 day, 3 days and 1 year old were used. Each age group consisted of 10 male and 10 female animals. We found significant differences related to age in RBC values of females, PCV, MCV values of males, WBC, neutrophil percentages, lymphocyte percentages, monocyte percentages of females, and eosinophil percentages and basophil percentages. Significant differences related to gender were found only with regard to PCV at 1 year and WBC at 1 day. The hematological parameters of thoroughbred foals up to one year old may be useful for evaluating and monitoring the health of these animals.     

Effect of Larvae Treated with Mixed Biopesticide Bacillus thuringiensis - Abamectin on Sex Pheromone Communication System in Cotton Bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera

Third instar larvae of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) were reared with artificial diet containing a Bacillus thuringiensis - abamectin (BtA) biopesticide mixture that resulted in 20% mortality (LD₂₀). The adult male survivors from larvae treated with BtA exhibited a higher percentage of “orientation” than control males but lower percentages of “approaching” and “landing” in wind tunnel bioassays. Adult female survivors from larvae treated with BtA produced higher sex pheromone titers and displayed a lower calling percentage than control females. The ratio of Z-11-hexadecenal (Z11–16:Ald) and Z-9-hexadecenal (Z9–16:Ald) in BtA-treated females changed and coefficients of variation (CV) of Z11–16:Ald and Z9–16:Ald were expanded compared to control females. The peak circadian calling time of BtA-treated females occurred later than that of control females. In mating choice experiment, both control males and BtA-treated males preferred to mate with control females and a portion of the Bt-A treated males did not mate whereas all control males did. Our Data support that treatment of larvae with BtA had an effect on the sex pheromone communication system in surviving H.armigera moths that may contribute to assortative mating.     

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.     

Distribution of life cycle stages of Sarcoptes scabiei var wombati and effects of severe mange on common wombats in Victoria

Seven female and three male common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) collected from forested areas of Victoria (Australia) over a 10 mo period, 10 April 1997 to 22 February 1998 had at least 30% of their skin affected by severe hyperkeratotic sarcoptic mange. Mangy wombats were grazing during the day, could be readily approached, were in poor body condition, and lacked subcutaneous fat. The anterolateral surface of the body was most heavily parasitised with Sarcoptes scabiei var wombati followed by the posterolateral surface, the dorsal region between the ears, the ears, ventral abdomen, medial aspect of the legs, axillary and inguinal areas, and the dorsal midline. Larvae were the most prevalent life-cycle stage followed by eggs, nymphs, females, and males. Mite numbers and the severity of clinical signs, namely thickness of scale crust and the degree of alopecia, were correlated and were symmetrical on each side of the body. Fissuring of crust and skin only occurred when scale crust was present. Bacterial infections occurred in three of 10 wombats within lymph nodes or the pleural cavity. Lymphoid depletion did not occur in lymph nodes or spleens and prescapular lymph nodes contained a greater amount of nuclear debris in germinal centres than non-mangy wombats. Seven wombats had fatty change in their livers. Gonads of mature wombats were not active or had minimal activity. Significant histopathological changes were not seen in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, brain, myocardium, spleen, thyroid, reproductive tract, and gonads. Hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and concentrations of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, calcium, glucose, creatinine, total solids, total protein, albumin determined both colormetrically and electrophoretically, and globulins were significantly lower and concentrations of neutrophils, monocytes, phosphorus, urea, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were significantly higher in mangy versus captive wombats. Concentrations of erythrocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leucocytes, band neutrophils, eosinophils, nucleated erythrocytes, sodium, potassium, chloride, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyltransferase for mangy wombats were not significantly different from that reported for captive wombats. Hematological and pathological changes in mangy wombats were consistent with anemia, inflammation, and changes seen with starvation.     

大熊猫血液生理指标的测定

大熊猫(Aluropoda melanoleuca)是举世瞩目的珍稀濒危动物,被誉为中国的国宝,越来越受到国内外各界人士的喜爱和重视。关于大熊猫的血液生理生化指标资料已有较多报道。Chen(1987)对6只大熊猫,王强等(1998)对18只大熊猫,     

Hematologic and blood chemical characteristics of feral horses from three management areas

Blood was collected from 486 feral horses of mixed sex and age classes captured from three wild horse management areas in Nevada and Oregon from December 1985 to February 1986. Males were significantly outnumbered by females in the Flanigan area, but both sexes were represented in approximately equal numbers in the Wassuk and Beaty's Butte areas. Hematology and chemistry values averaged 16.4 +/- 0.11, 46.3 +/- 0.28, 9.9 +/- 0.07, 6.9 +/- 0.10, 47.1 +/- 0.24, 16.6 +/- 0.09, 35.2 +/- 0.09, 10.4 +/- 0.14 and 23.4 +/- 0.25 for hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), cortisol (F) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN), respectively. Statistically significant differences in HGB, HCT, RBC, WBC, MCV and MCH levels occurred with respect to age (P less than or equal to 0.001). Serum F levels were lower in immature animals than in either subadult or adults in all areas. Flanigan horses appeared in the poorest condition and had the lowest HGB, HCT and RBC counts while the values for Wassuk horses were significantly higher (P less than or equal to 0.001). Serum F levels were lowest in the Flanigan horses. A significantly lower (P less than or equal to 0.001) proportion of adult mares had progesterone levels consistent with pregnancy in the Flanigan horses versus those from the other two areas. These data are consistent with a subjective evaluation of the condition of the horses.     

Reproductive cycle and reproductive output of the sea urchin Loxechinus albus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) from Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Reproductive cycle, frequency and duration of spawning, energetic content of gonads, and reproductive output of the common green sea urchin Loxechinus albus were analyzed in the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego) between May 2004 and May 2005. Gonad indices (GI, percentages of gonad mass in total body mass) were significantly higher in March, April, July, and August than in November and May, thus showing a negative correlation with the photoperiod. Highest GI values of mature individuals were observed in August, and spawning occurred from September to December. In females, the mass-specific energy content of gonads (ECG) was highest in spawned gonads and lowest in mature ones, while in males ECG values were higher in immature stage and lower in premature and mature stages. High ECG values can be explained by the abundance of nutritive phagocytes. Both ECG and total gonad energy content (TECG) were higher in females than in males. Mean reproductive output was 7.28% for females and 6.15% for males (expressed as the difference between mean GI of mature and spawned gonads) and 25.02 kJ for females and 19.26 kJ for males (expressed as the difference between mean TECG of mature and spawned gonads).     

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.     

Effect of age, gonadectomy and hypophysectomy on mitochondrial hydroxylation of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol in female and male rat liver.

In a previous study we found that liver mitochondrial side-chain hydroxylation of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol was higher in female than in male rats [Saarem & Pedersen (1987) Biochem. J. 247, 73-78]. The present paper describes the effects of age, gonadectomy and hypophysectomy on these activities. The sex difference became manifest above the age of 7 weeks. Ovariectomy and/or injection of oestradiol valerate had no effect on the hydroxylase activities in adult females. Castration increased, and subsequent testosterone treatment decreased, the hydroxylase activities in adult males. Hypophysectomy had no effect in females, but increased the hydroxylase activities in males. Testosterone treatment had no effect in hypophysectomized females or males. Injection of oestradiol valerate had no effect on the hydroxylase activities in hypophysectomized females. In hypophysectomized males this treatment had no effect on the vitamin D3 25-hydroxylase activity, but decreased the C27-steroid 27-hydroxylase activity in males. Microsomal 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 25-hydroxylase activity was lower in females than in males in all age groups. Castration or hypophysectomy decreased the activity in male rats. It is concluded that, in adult female rats, the mitochondrial side-chain hydroxylation of vitamin D3 and of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-triol is independent of sex hormones. In males these activities are regulated by influence of sex hormones on the hypophysis, probably by the presence of androgens in the neonatal period. Different effects on the two hydroxylases indicate the presence of at least two different cytochromes P-450 in rat liver mitochondria.     

An electrophoretic characterization of serum proteins of the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu)

Serum proteins of the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis for wild adult males and females, nursing young, and reproductively-active females in captivity. Electrophoretic profiles of the adult peccary showed at least six distinct protein bands corresponding to the fractions: albumin, alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, and gamma globulin. Globulin fractions of the peccary had different mobilities from the domestic swine. The only sexual dimorphisms were associated with the beta globulin:albumin ratio and the albumin:globulin ratio. Ingestion of colostrum in 1-day-old neonates was marked by a very large increase in gamma globulins. The only significant difference between pregnant and lactating females was in the alpha globulin:beta globulin ratio. Lactating females had higher concentrations of alpha-2 globulin than non-pregnant females.     

Aerobic dive limit does not decline in an aging pinniped

Apneustic hunters such as diving mammals exploit body oxygen stores while submerged; therefore, any decline in oxygen handling at advanced life stages could critically impair foraging ability. We calculated the aerobic dive limit (cADL = 17.9 ± 4.4 min SD) from blood and muscle oxygen stores and published metabolic rates of Weddell seals within (9-16 years, n = 24) and beyond peak-reproductive age (17-27 years, n = 26), to investigate (1) senescent constraints in apneustic hunting, and (2) whether mass or age primarily determines oxygen stores and ADL in older seals. We compared cADL with behavioral ADL from 5,275 free-ranging dives (bADL = 24.0 ± 5.3 min, n = 18 females). We observed no changes in Weddell seal oxygen stores, its determinants, or in ADLs late in life. Oxygen stores were better predicted by mass than age, consistent with published findings for young adults. Hematological panels (n = 6) were consistent across mass and age, though hematocrit (females > males, 6% elevation) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (females < males, 8% reduction) varied by sex. Whole blood viscosity was decreased with increasing mass in females and was higher than in males overall (+18%). This was largely due to elevated hematocrit in females, although plasma viscosity also varied under some conditions. Females had higher blood volume and elevated blood oxygen stores (vol% body mass), which did not translate into significantly higher cADL (18.1 vs. 17.1 min for males). Neither cADL nor bADL were mass- or age-dependent.     

Effects of UV-B radiation on ingestion, fecundity, population dynamics and antioxidant enzyme activities of Schmackeria inopinus (Copepoda Calanoida)

Effects of enhanced ultraviolet B (UV-B, 280-320 nm) on copepods have gained particular attention in recent years. In this study, we investigated the effects of UV-B radiation on ingestion, fecundity, population dynamics and antioxidant enzyme activities of copepod Schmackeria inopinus exposed to varying doses of UV-B irradiance. Artificial UV-B radiation resulted in an increased mortality of nauplii, copepodites and adults with increasing UV-B doses. Nauplii and copepodites were more sensitive to UV-B radiation than adults, and adult males had a higher UV-B radiation susceptivity in comparison with adult females. Both ingestion rates and proportion of gravid females decreased with the increase of UV-B doses; and at the same time, we also observed that adult females had higher ingestion rates as compared with adult males. In comparison with the control, the abundance of the treatment significantly decreased. Antioxidant enzyme (GPx and GR) activities attained a significant increase at lower UV-B radiation doses when compared to the control, but declined at higher UV-B doses. These results suggested that enhanced UV-B radiation might change the species composition of copepods. Our study also showed that antioxidant enzymes might protect S. inopinus against UV-induced oxidative damage.     

Haematological alterations in Rattus norvegicus (Wistar) experimentally infected with Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

Laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) were infected with Echinostoma paraensei (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae). The rodents received 150 metacercariae each and blood samples were collected weekly until the fifth week of infection. The blood samples were analyzed for determination of haematocrit, total red blood cells with their dimensions, haemoglobin and haematimetric index (mean corpuscular volume, MCV; mean corpuscular haemoglobin, MCH; and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, MCHC) and platelets. Red blood cells, haematocrit and haemoglobin in the first week had significantly lower levels than those of uninfected (control) rats, suggesting the development of normocytic and normocromic anaemia with anisocytic alteration. The number of eosinophils did not increase significantly among the groups. We concluded that E. paraensei produces haematological alterations in R. norvegicus, causing regenerative anaemia. This system can therefore be a useful model to study the direct and indirect effects of gastrointestinal infections.     

Hematology of a natural population of toque macaques (Macaca sinica) at polonnaruwa,Sri Lanka

Hematological studies were conducted in three wild groups of toque macaques (Macaca sinica) inhabiting the Polonnaruwa Sanctuary in northeastern Sri Lanka. The macaques were temporarily trapped and anesthetized, and femoral blood was drawn from 35 males and 37 females (age range: 0.33-24.5 yr). Statistically significant (P<0.05) differences were observed by sex for total plasma proteins (PP), and by age for red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC), PP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), differential and absolute neutrophil counts, differential lymphocyte counts, and absolute eosinophil counts. In general, the results were similar to those reported for other species of colony-bred and free-ranging macaques. However, there also were differences. First, in contrast to earlier studies of nonhuman primates, we examined the hematology of infants. Compared to other age classes, infants (<1 yr old) had lower RBC, Hb, MCHC, and ESR values, and a higher MCV. These findings were similar to those obtained in human infants. Second, we observed variations in hematology among social groups in relation to their ecology. Two groups (IH3 and M3) had ready access to water throughout the dry season (the period of sampling), whereas the third group (J) did not. The Hb, RBC, and PP values obtained in groups IH3 and M3 were similar to those reported in other macaque species. However, these parameters in group J were significantly (P<0.01) higher, which suggests that this group (representing about 26% of the sample) had been dehydrated during the dry season. Finally, two indices indicative of injury and infection--the ESR and leukocyte counts--were higher in the wild toque macaques than has been reported for other species of macaques held in captivity, and about 15% of the toque macaques sampled had extreme outlier values for these parameters; however, none were visibly ill or died. These results suggest that wild toque macaques are subject to a wide array of physical and biological insults that are unique to natural populations.