Selected Hematologic Values of Farmed Ostriches (Struthio Camelus) in Botswana

Abstract

Red blood cell count (ϫ10 12 /liter) Hemoglobin (g/dl) Packed cell volume (%) Mean corpuscular volume (fl) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (pg) Mean hemoglobin concentration (g/dl) Total leukocyte count (ϫ10 9 /liter) Heterophil (H) (%) Lymphocyte (L) (%) H/L ratio Eosinophils (%) Monocytes (%) Basophils (%) Thrombocyte count (ϫ10 9 /liter) 2.1 Ϯ 0.2 16.68 Ϯ 0.93 43.25 Ϯ 1.9 205.95 Ϯ 15.0 79.42 Ϯ 12 38.56 Ϯ 2.0 5.0 Ϯ 1.8 60 Ϯ 2.1 32 Ϯ 2.0 1:2 1 Ϯ 0.2 1 Ϯ 0.5 6 Ϯ 1.4 0.2 1.8 Ϯ 0.2 10.9 Ϯ 1.2* 36 Ϯ 1.2* 200 Ϯ 18.0 60.56 Ϯ 5.0* 30.28 Ϯ 1.5* 3.8 Ϯ 1.7 62 Ϯ 1.2 29 Ϯ 1.6 . . . 1 Ϯ 0.2 1 Ϯ 0.6 7 Ϯ 1.4 0.2 * Values within rows are significantly different (P Ͻ 0.05).The ostrich (Struthio camelus) industry in Botswana is still young, and as such, there is scant information on hematology of the ostrich. Veterinary clinical hematology is a useful tool for the diagnosis of disease in both domestic mammals and birds. 1,22 Hematologic values of the Masai ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus) were reported as early as 1875. 2 The physical properties of ostrich blood cells have been extensively described. 2,12,13,18,20 Although clinical hematology is a useful diagnostic tool in avian medicine, 21,22 interpretation is dependent on established baseline levels for the species. Furthermore, these parameters may be influenced by climatic conditions prevalent in the particular geographic location and by different management systems. The purpose of this study was to establish baseline hematology values for juvenile and adult farmed ostrich in Botswana.One hundred ostriches, 50 juveniles (1-10 months of age) and 50 adults (11-18 months of age), were maintained in fenced pens. The ostriches were separated according to age. The diet consisted mainly of commercial ostrich pellets. Chopped fresh lucerne plus vitamin and mineral supplements were often added to the diet. Grit in the form of ground stones was added to the feed. Water was available ad libitum. The birds were apparently healthy, with no signs of disease.For blood collection, black hoods made of transluscent muslin cloth were placed over the heads of adult ostriches to avoid stress. The younger birds were gently restrained on a table without the hood. Blood was obtained by venipuncture from the brachial (wing) vein after cleansing the area with an antiseptic. a A sterile cotton swab soaked in 70%

Serum biochemistry of 4-day-old ostriches (Struthio camelus)

“…Alkaline phosphatase presented higher concentrations than those reported by Simpraga et al (2004), Bouda et al (2004), and Khazraiinia et al (2006), which is ascribed to the release of large amounts of bone isoenzymes during the intense process of bone formation and skeletal development of the birds in the embryonic period, according to Simpraga et al (2004). GGT values were similar to those found by Mushi et al (1998), Quintavalla et al (2001), and Agaoglu et al (2003). The CK activity, which exceeded the values reported by Palomeque et al (1991), Mushi et al (1998), Quintavalla et al (2001), and Agaoglu et al (2003), was characterized by the beginning of muscular activity in the newly hatched birds, which facilitates the release of muscle isoenzymes into the bloodstream.…”

“…The mean phosphorus levels fell within the range reported by Okotie-Eboh et al (1992), Brown & Jones (1996), Ben Romdhane et al (2000), and Agaoglu et al (2003). Sodium showed values similar to those mentioned by Mushi et al (1998), Ben Romdhane et al (2000), Quintavalla et al (2001), and Agaoglu et al (2003). Chloride concentrations were similar to those reported by Van Heerden et al (1985), Mushi et al (1998), andQuintavalla et al (2001).…”

“…Bouda et al (2004) also observed plasma cholesterol levels fivefold higher in 26-day-old ostriches than in older birds, ascribing this difference to the high reserves contained in the yolk sac. Triglyceride concentrations were similar to those reported by Okotie-Eboh et al (1992), Mushi et al (1998), Ben Romdhane et al (2000) and Khazraiinia et al (2006). Values of HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C lipoproteins are not reported in the consulted literature.…”

“…This difference is probably attributable to the large protein reserves contained in the yolk sac, allied to the birds' low water intake in the first four days of life. The creatinine concentrations remained within the intervals reported by Okotie-Eboh et al (1992), Mushi et al (1998), Quintavalla et al (2001) and Bouda et al (2004). Uric acid values were lower than those found by Palomeque et al (1991), Bouda et al (2004) and Khazraiinia et al (2006), but similar to those reported by other researchers (Okotie-Eboh et al 1992, Quintavalla et al 2001, Moniello et al 2005.…”

“…The concentration of uric acid in blood varies directly according to the amount of food intake, protein percentage in the diet and the demand of amino acids for protein synthesis (Costa et al 1993). The mean cholesterol concentration was higher than that reported by Okotie-Eboh et al (1992), Mushi et al (1998) and Ben Romdhane et al (2000), possibly because ostriches use nutritional reserves from the yolk sac, which is rich in this metabolite. Bouda et al (2004) also observed plasma cholesterol levels fivefold higher in 26-day-old ostriches than in older birds, ascribing this difference to the high reserves contained in the yolk sac.…”