Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
08:14
Who is Who? Non-invasive Methods to Individually Sex and Mark Altricial Chicks
Published on: May 24, 2014
Blood plasma chemistries from wild mourning doves held in captivity
J H Schulz1, A J Bermudez, J L Tomlinson
1Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation Research Center, Columbia 65201, USA. schulj@mail.conservation.state.mo.us
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|August 15, 2000
Summary
This study establishes crucial biochemical reference values for mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), providing essential data for diagnosing avian diseases and improving wildlife health management.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Biology
- Avian Physiology
Background:
- Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) are extensively studied, yet lack established biochemical reference values.
- Accurate clinical chemistry values are vital for diagnosing diseases in avian species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline clinical chemistry reference values for mourning doves.
- To provide essential data for veterinary diagnostics in this species.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 382 wild mourning doves over two distinct periods (1996 and 1998).
- Plasma biochemical analytes including glucose, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, and metabolites were measured.
Main Results:
- Established reference values for 17 key plasma biochemical parameters.
- These parameters include glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, magnesium, AST, GGT, LDH, and uric acid.
Conclusions:
- The established reference values are critical for diagnosing diseases affecting multiple organ systems in mourning doves.
- This data will significantly aid veterinarians and wildlife biologists in assessing the health of mourning dove populations.
