Blood biochemical reference values for farmed red deer

Abstract

The activities and concentrations of 30 whole blood and plasma constituents including enzymes, substrates, electrolytes and vitamins were determined in samples from 91 clinically healthy farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) hinds ranging in age from one to 15 years. The hinds were randomly selected from a herd maintained on a mixture of reseeded and permanent hill pasture at an experimental research station in north east Scotland. The results were analysed statistically and the calculated means, standard errors and tolerance intervals provide a basis for diagnostic clinical chemistry in red deer. The data are compared with data from earlier reports on blood biochemistry in deer and other livestock species.