Age-related hematologic changes in captive-reared houbara, white-bellied, and rufous-crested bustards

Blood samples were obtained at monthly intervals between April 1994 and March 1996 from captive-bred houbara (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii), rufous-crested (Eupodotis ruficrista gindiana), and white-bellied (Eupodotis senegalensis) bustards from 4-24 wk of age. Hematology investigations were conducted to determine age-related changes and to establish reference values for growing chicks of these species. There were significant age-related changes in hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red cell count in young birds compared with those of adults. White cell counts (lymphocytes and monocytes) were higher in juvenile birds, compared with adult values.