Influence of Season on the Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Housed in a Controlled Environment in Northern Italy

Abstract

Season appears to influence the physiology of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). From 2000 to 2005, blood parameters of three captive bottlenose dolphins housed in northern Italy were examined to determine if seasonal variation was present. Seasonal variation was observed in the male dolphins, with both males exhibiting aminotransferase levels that were higher in autumn and lower in winter. Mean serum creatinine levels were higher during summer and lower during autumn in the adult male, and mean lactate dehydrogenase higher during summer and lower during spring in the juvenile male. Both males exhibited red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels that were higher during autumn and lower during summer. This study contributes to the knowledge of baseline hematologic and biochemical values based on seasonality in bottlenose dolphins.

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Adult Spotted Seals Phoca largha Pallas, 1811 Under Professional Care

“…Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%–57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al. 2011; Nollens et al. 2019).…”

“…The impact of seasonality has also been studied in cetaceans inhabiting areas with minimal seasonal variation. Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%-57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al 2011;Nollens et al 2019).…”

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Adult Spotted Seals Phoca largha Pallas, 1811 Under Professional Care

“…Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%–57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al. 2011; Nollens et al. 2019).…”

“…The impact of seasonality has also been studied in cetaceans inhabiting areas with minimal seasonal variation. Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%-57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al 2011;Nollens et al 2019).…”

Effects of sex, age, and season on the variation of blood analytes in a clinically healthyex situpopulation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopsspp.)

“……”

Effect of age, sex, and season on the variation in blood analytes of a clinically normal ex situ population of killer whales (Orcinus orca)

“…Additionally, season and sex influenced 59% and 10% of the analytes, respectively. Many, but not all, of these effects on baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical values had been previously recognized in other cetacean species . This report is based on a larger sample size than any of the previously published reports on cetacean RIs, and samples were selected using stringent inclusion criteria, which could account for the high analyte percentages recognized as being significantly affected by these variables.…”

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Adult Spotted Seals Phoca largha Pallas, 1811 Under Professional Care

“…Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%–57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al. 2011; Nollens et al. 2019).…”

“…The impact of seasonality has also been studied in cetaceans inhabiting areas with minimal seasonal variation. Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%-57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al 2011;Nollens et al 2019).…”

Effects of sex, age, and season on the variation of blood analytes in a clinically healthyex situpopulation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopsspp.)

“……”

Effect of age, sex, and season on the variation in blood analytes of a clinically normal ex situ population of killer whales (Orcinus orca)

“…Additionally, season and sex influenced 59% and 10% of the analytes, respectively. Many, but not all, of these effects on baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical values had been previously recognized in other cetacean species . This report is based on a larger sample size than any of the previously published reports on cetacean RIs, and samples were selected using stringent inclusion criteria, which could account for the high analyte percentages recognized as being significantly affected by these variables.…”

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Adult Spotted Seals Phoca largha Pallas, 1811 Under Professional Care

“…Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%–57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al. 2011; Nollens et al. 2019).…”

“…The impact of seasonality has also been studied in cetaceans inhabiting areas with minimal seasonal variation. Nevertheless, even within such regions, 15%-57% of analytes were affected by seasonal changes (Macchi et al 2011;Nollens et al 2019).…”

Effects of sex, age, and season on the variation of blood analytes in a clinically healthyex situpopulation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopsspp.)

“……”

Effect of age, sex, and season on the variation in blood analytes of a clinically normal ex situ population of killer whales (Orcinus orca)

“…Additionally, season and sex influenced 59% and 10% of the analytes, respectively. Many, but not all, of these effects on baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical values had been previously recognized in other cetacean species . This report is based on a larger sample size than any of the previously published reports on cetacean RIs, and samples were selected using stringent inclusion criteria, which could account for the high analyte percentages recognized as being significantly affected by these variables.…”