Effects of capture and transport on blood parameters in free-ranging mouflon (Ovis ammon)

Twelve free-ranging mouflon (Ovis ammon), eight adults and four lambs, were captured in northeast Spain. The animals were transported for 9 hr from the capture site to the Wildlife Rescue Center at Vallcalent (Lleida), 300 km SW. Blood samples were taken at capture and after transport to study the effects on hematologic and biochemical parameters. The RBC, PCV, Hb, and alkaline phosphatase values were significantly higher in lambs than in adults, and total protein levels were significantly lower in lambs. Comparisons of blood parameters of adult animals at capture and after transport revealed significantly lower RBC, PCV, Hb, PLT, lymphocyte counts, glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase values and significantly higher neutrophil count, AST, ALT, CK, LDH, and total bilirubin levels after transport. The differences observed in the blood parameters of lambs before and after transport were not statistically significant.