Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Spanish ibex

We studied blood samples from 529 Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) from different Andalusian mountain ranges in southern Spain, primarily from Sierra Nevada. For each sample, 13 hematologic and 32 biochemical parameters were analyzed. Within this database, we selected values obtained from live, free-ranging, physically restrained, clinically normal animals to determine reference intervals for these parameters. Distribution of values within each parameter was determined and differences in values between sex and age classes also were determined. We found significant differences in eight biochemical parameters among male and female ibexes. Significant differences in values for 20 hematologic and biochemical parameters between age classes also were found.