HEMATOLOGIC AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY VALUES OF THE MASAI OSTRICH (STRUTHIO CAMELUS)

Abstract

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.