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Published on: August 8, 2017
Hematological Parameters and Growth Curves for Captive Olive Baboons (Papio anubis): Effects of Viral Status, Sex,
Sarah J Neal1, Shannon Whitney2, Elizabeth Magden1
1The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, USA.
Background:
Baboons are valuable models for human health research, yet existing hematology, serum chemistry, and growth reference data are limited by small sample sizes, narrow age ranges, and inconsistent reporting.
Methods:
This study addresses these gaps by analyzing data from 848 captive olive baboons to establish comprehensive reference intervals and growth curves. We examined variations in hematology and serum chemistry across age, sex, rearing history (mother- vs. nursery-reared), and viral status (specific pathogen free vs. conventional).
Results:
Significant differences were found in 58.8% (10/17) of hematology and 37% (10/27) of chemistry parameters between SPF and conventional baboons, as well as across age, sex, and rearing categories. Growth curves aligned with previous studies but showed higher weight ranges.
Conclusions:
While many differences were statistically significant, not all may be clinically relevant. These findings provide a robust resource for veterinary care and biomedical research involving baboons.
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