Related Experiment Videos
Biochemical and hematologic reference intervals for free-ranging desert bighorn sheep
D L Borjesson1, M M Christopher, W M Boyce
1Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|May 17, 2000
Summary
This study established reference intervals for desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) hematology and biochemistry. Findings reveal age and sex-related differences in key blood analytes for these wild sheep.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Biology
- Zoological Hematology
Background:
- Establishing reference intervals is crucial for assessing the health of wild animal populations.
- Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) health assessments require specific, population-based reference data.
- Previous hematologic and biochemical data for free-ranging desert bighorn sheep are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop comprehensive reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical analytes in clinically normal desert bighorn sheep.
- To utilize nonparametric analyses for robust reference range determination across diverse populations.
- To identify age- and sex-specific variations in blood parameters.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of over 200 clinically normal desert bighorn sheep from multiple geographic locations.
- Utilization of a uniform sampling and sample handling protocol.
- Application of central 90th percentile nonparametric analyses for reference interval calculation.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in erythrocyte mass (hemoglobin, hematocrit) were observed between adult males and females, with females exhibiting higher values.
- Younger sheep (< or = 1 year old) showed greater erythrocyte mass, higher alkaline phosphatase activity, and lower serum protein and globulin concentrations compared to adults.
- Comprehensive reference intervals were established based on a large sample size and wide geographic distribution.
Conclusions:
- The developed reference intervals are robust and applicable to free-ranging desert bighorn sheep populations due to the study's extensive sample size, geographic scope, and standardized methodology.
- Age and sex are important factors influencing hematologic and biochemical profiles in desert bighorn sheep.
- These reference intervals provide a valuable tool for wildlife veterinarians and researchers in monitoring the health and diagnosing conditions in this species.