A retrospective study evaluated the influence of sex and age on plasma biochemistry and haematology parameters in a captive-bred colony of baboons. Over 1,140 ETDA and heparin blood samples were obtained from 160 clinically normal baboons between the ages of 11 months and 11 years. Data for these blood tests were analysed for the effects of sex, age and sex age interactions. Sex, age and sex age interactions were detected for many plasma biochemistry and haematological parameters. The reference range values for platelets, white-blood cells and mean corpuscular volume and plasma chloride, glucose, total protein and iron were higher (P < 0.01) and red blood cell, plasma sodium, potassium, total CO2, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphate, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and phosphate were lower (P < 0.01) in the female compared to the male population. Sex age interactions (P < 0.05) were seen with haemoglobin, white blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphate, total bilirubin, total protein alkaline phosphatase, the liver enzymes and triglycerides. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was highest ( > 800 micro/l) in young juveniles of both sexes; creatinine was higher in older ( > 4 years) compared to younger baboons of the same sex (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.01) in young baboons compared to older animals.

The changes in the haematology and clinical biochemistry associated with the different stages of the menstrual cycle, gestation and lactation in the baboon (Papio hamadryas) were evaluated in a prospective longitudinal study. Serial EDTA and heparin blood samples were collected from 12 baboons. Haemoglobin concentration, haematorcrit, red blood cell and white blood cell counts were decreased in the luteal compared to the follicular phase (P<0.001); the reverse effect was observed for platelet count, total protein and albumin concentrations. The changes in plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine and cholesterol and plasma osmolality were characterized by reductions (P<0.01) in early pregnancy which were maintained throughout gestation. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and alkaline phosphatase, as well as haemoglobin, haematocrit and red cell count were reduced (P<0.001) from mid-gestation. Platelet count and plasma calcium concentration fell continuously throughout gestation (P<0.001). Plasma triglycerides were lower and plasma iron was higher (P<0.01) in gestation compared to the phases of the menstrual cycle and lactation. By 1 week post partum, all parameters except haemaglobin had returned to pre-conception levels.

The semi-longitudinal collection of growth measurements in male and female hamadryas baboons has enabled documentation of the timing of puberty and the development of sexually dimorphic growth patterns in body weight, crown-rump length (CRL), limb lengths, and muscle mass. In addition, another sexually dimorphic characteristic appears to be the presence of a pubertal growth spurt in body weight, and possibly CRL, in male but not female baboons. Serum testosterone levels rose during male development; however, there was a progressive decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels indicating the absence of adrenarche. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its major binding protein, IGFBP-3, both rose during pubertal development; however, a simultaneous rise in the IGF-I:IGFBP-3 molar ratio suggests other factors may enhance the bioactivity of IGF-I during puberty. A distinct rise in serum osteocalcin levels was also associated with puberty in male baboons. These growth and hormonal changes during puberty in the hamadryas baboon indicate that this species provides a close primate model for human puberty.

A longitudinal study was conducted on selected livestock farms to determine the prevalence of enteropathogens in diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic animals. The enteropathogens assayed from faecal samples and rectal swabs were bacteria (Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp. Salmonella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica), parasites (coccidia, gastrointestinal nematodes and Cryptosporidium spp.) and viruses (group A rotavirus and parvovirus). The prevalence of the enteropathogens in various animal species was related to age and month of the year. Generally, younger animals presented a higher prevalence of infection by enteropathogens than older animals while most infections occurred between the months of January and April. Key-words: Bacteria. Viruses. Parasites. Diarrhea. Livestock.Resumo Um estudo longitudinal foi realizado em fazendas de criação selecionadas, para determinar a prevalência de enteropatógenos em animais com ou sem diarréia. Os enteropatógenos analisados de amostras fecais e swabs retais foram: bactérias (Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp e Yersinia enterocolitica); parasitas (coccídeos, nematóides gastrintestinais e Cryptosporidium spp) e vírus (Rotavírus grupo A e parvovírus). A prevalência dos enteropatógenos em várias espécies de animais foi relacionada à idade e mês do ano. Geralmente, a prevalência de infecção por enteropatógenos foi maior entre os animais mais jovens que entre os animais mais velhos, enquanto a maioria das infecções ocorreu entre os meses de janeiro e abril.

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SummaryA captive-bred male baboon presented with severe evidence of blood loss and melaena. An upper gastrointestinal radiological study with Gastrografin showed a large trichobezoar. Laparotomy confirmed its presence and revealed gastric ulceration with perforation and generalized peritonitis. The condition was successfully treated by surgery.

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Normal biometric ranges for fetal growth in a captive breeding baboon (Papio hamadryas) colony are described. Measurements include crownrump length, biparietal diameter, binocular distance, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length and amniotic fluid index. The pattern of fetal growth is compared with other baboon subspecies and man. The uses and limitations of such data for breeding colony management and optimum utilisation of experimentally derived data are discussed.