Haematological values of young male rusa deer (Cervus timorensis)

To measure haematological values of clinical significance for rusa deer and provide reference data for farmed animals.

Blood samples were collected regularly from eight male rusa deer from 14 days to 27 months old.

Blood samples, collected by venipuncture, were analysed within 6 hours of collection for red cell count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, plasma glucose, white cell count and differentials.

Haemoglobin concentrations appeared to increase with age and ranged from 6.0 to 20.9 g/dL. Packed cell volume and plasma glucose concentration did not appear to vary with age. White cell counts ranged from 6.3 to 7.0 x 10(9)/L and differential counts indicated neutrophils > lymphocytes > monocytes > eosinophils > basophils. In general, the values for packed cell volume, red cell count, mean cell volumes and mean cell haemoglobin concentrations were within ranges previously reported for captive or sedated rusa deer.

Physical restraint and resultant stress was sufficient to generate some of the effects previously reported for physically immobilised or agitated deer. The values reported here do not differ greatly from those previously reported for rusa deer and can be used as reference values for clinically healthy young farmed male rusa deer.