Hematology and serum biochemistry variables in apparently normal Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Hematology and serum biochemical analyses are integral parts of the clinical evaluation of sick animals. This is especially true regarding the clinical care of wildlife species, where clinical signs and historical data relating to the particular illness are often not available. Therefore, this study was designed to report various hematology and serum biochemistry parameters in Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx).

Various hematology and serum biochemistry parameters were determined in 49 Arabian oryx of various ages and sexes. Hematology parameters included total red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration, and total leukocyte count (white blood cell) using an automated hematology analyzer. Serum biochemistry variables included glucose (Trinder method), total protein (biuret method), albumin using the Bromcresol Green (BCG) method, and blood urea nitrogen (colorimetric method). In addition, serum electrolyte concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were determined using colorimetric methods.

There was a significant difference in RBC count, PCV, and serum glucose concentration between adult and young Arabian oryx. The RBC count was significantly higher in males than in females, whereas the serum glucose concentration was significantly higher in females.

Results of this study showed significant differences in RBC, PCV, and serum glucose concentration between apparently normal young and Adult Arabian oryx. Similar differences were also detected between normal males and females. Knowledge of these data could prove vital in the clinical evaluation of the health status of this wildlife species.