Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace element reference values for free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Author(s)

Gallo, Luciana ^[1] ; Thijl Vanstreels, Ralph Eric ^[2] ; Cook, Robert A. ^{[3, 4]} ; Karesh, William B. ^{[3, 5]} ; Uhart, Marcela ^{[3, 6]}

Affiliation

^[1] Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, Inst Biol Organismos Marinos IBIOMAR, Blvd Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut - Argentina

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Dept Patol, Lab Patol Comparada Anim Selvagens, Ave Prof Dr Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Wildlife Conservat Soc, Field Vet Program, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460 - USA

^[4] Sci Based Support Consulting, 28 Sassinoro Blvd, New York, NY - USA

^[5] EcoHlth Alliance, 460 West 34th St, 17th Floor, New York, NY - USA

^[6] Univ Calif Davis, Sch Vet Med, One Hlth Inst, 1089 Vet Med Dr, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: POLAR BIOLOGY; v. 42, n. 4, p. 733-742, APR 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Blood parameters (hematology and biochemistry) are useful in assessing the physiological, nutritional, and overall health status of both captive and free-ranging wildlife. In this study, we established baseline values for blood parameters (hematology, plasma biochemistry, and trace elements) of free-ranging adult Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) sampled at ten breeding colonies covering their full latitudinal distribution in Patagonia over two decades. Males had higher packed cell volume, heterophil and eosinophil relative counts, total solids, copper, and iron but lower magnesium than females. We also compared our results with those obtained in previous studies on both captive and free-ranging Magellanic Penguins and other Spheniscus species. Our study provides a baseline for ecological studies investigating the physiological responses of this species to natural and anthropogenic changes. Furthermore, our findings provide clinically relevant reference values for Magellanic Penguins under care at zoos, aquaria, and rehabilitation centers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/51801-5 - Avian malaria and penguins in Brazil: epidemiological and pathological investigations of a disease with potential risks to avian conservation
• Grantee: Jose Luiz Catao Dias
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 09/53956-9 - Study of avian malaria in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) kept in selected Brazilian coast rehabilitation centers
• Grantee: Ralph Eric Thijl Del Val Onoro Vanstreels
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)