| Abstract: | Hematological and serum chemistry values were determined on single samples from 15 clinically healthy captive suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus zuluensis) in order to help establish the boundaries of normal physiological variation for this species. Statistically significant age-related variations were found for the numbers of red and white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Differences related to sex included chloride, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and glucose. Comparisons of pregnant females to nonpregnant females revealed differences in creatinine and thyroxine. Phosphorus was significantly lower in nonlactating females when compared to lactating females. Mean values and coefficients of variation of suni data were compared to those of other artiodactylid species. Factors known to influence serum values—age, sex, and pregnancy—are discussed in relation to acceptable limits of variation. |
