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The effects of sex and aging on selected plasma biochemistry analytes in zoo-kept American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber)

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Abstract

American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) are commonly kept in zoological collections and are important in research, conservation awareness, and education. Hematology and biochemistry parameters are reported to change with age in many long-lived species. A retrospective analysis of recorded data (147 samples of PCV/TS and plasma biochemistry) from n = 16 (F = 7, M = 9) zoo-kept flamingos (1–16 years) was performed. Blood samples were collected as part of routine annual health evaluation over the course of 11 years. The effect of aging and sex on biochemical analytes in individuals over time was assessed. Most analytes did not differ between sexes. Males had higher TS, and lower sodium, chloride, and ALT concentrations when controlling for age. The only variable with a significant sex × age interaction was ALP, which only changed with age in females. Most analytes did not differ with age. PCV, UN, and Na:K ratio increased, while potassium, ALP, and uric acid concentrations decreased with each year of life. While aging influenced select biomarkers in the current study, the clinical significance has yet to be determined, and further studies including a larger age range are recommended.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Sunset Zoo staff for assistance and support in sample collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Neta Ambar & David Eshar

  2. Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Lisa Pohlman

  3. Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada

    Hugues Beaufrère

Authors
  1. Neta Ambar
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  2. David Eshar
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  3. Lisa Pohlman
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  4. Hugues Beaufrère
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Contributions

David Eshar was responsible for the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by David Eshar, Neta Ambar, and Hugues Beaufrère. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Neta Ambar and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Neta Ambar.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Kansas State University and Sunset zoo guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. Ethical approval was waived in view of the retrospective nature of the study and all the procedures being performed were part of the routine care.

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Ambar, N., Eshar, D., Pohlman, L. et al. The effects of sex and aging on selected plasma biochemistry analytes in zoo-kept American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber). Comp Clin Pathol 29, 1079–1082 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-020-03151-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-020-03151-7

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