Hematological and serum biochemistry profiles of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758) from the semi-arid brazilian northeast

Abstract

Hematological and biochemical analyses are paramount in assessing the health of different populations and their habitats, and knowledge on the specific values of each species is necessary, due to influence of several factors. In this context, this study aimed to determine the hematological and biochemical parameters of collared peccaries raised in captivity in the semi-arid Brazilian northeast associated to morphometric blood cell analyses. A total of 30 adult animals were investigated, divided into two groups (15 females and 15 males), averaging 20 kg and between 2 and 2.5 years old. Blood and serum samples were collected in the morning for hematological, serum biochemistry and cellular morphometry analyses. Data normality was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test, and homoscedasticity, by Levene’s test. Concerning statistical differences between sexes, parametric data were analyzed by the t test for independent measurements and non-parametric data, by the Mann-Whitney test. Sex did not influence most of the studied variables, except for calcium, total proteins and urea and relative eosinophil counts. The environment and containment manner can influence collared peccary hematological and biochemical parameters, and blood cell morphometry and morphology data are similar to those of domestic cattle and carnivores.