Serum proteins of wild turkey vultures (Cathartes aura)

We separated and identified the major serum proteins of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura): albumin, HDL, LDL, IgG and M, transferrin, alpha 2M and putatively, IgA, ceruloplasmin and fibronectin. Turkey vulture HDL and LDL had similar electrophorectic mobility and solution properties as those from gallinaceous birds. Turkey vulture IgG and M, and their subunits, had molecular weights comparable to other birds. Serum IgG and M levels in wild turkey vultures were within the range of values reported for domestic avian species.