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Blood chemistry reference values for two ecologically distinct populations of foraging green turtles, eastern Indian Ocean

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Abstract

Blood chemistry reference values are important to allow the monitoring of the health of individuals and populations. Blood chemistry reference values were obtained from individuals of two ecologically distinct foraging populations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the eastern Indian Ocean. Samples were taken from 51 resident green turtles from Ashmore Reef (a shelf-edge platform reef) with a predominant seagrass diet, and 59 samples were taken from green turtles from Fog Bay, an inshore coastal embayment in the Northern Territory of Australia with a predominant algal diet. Reference values were different between habitats and showed the importance of regional and habitat-specific reference values for green turtles if they are to be used as a diagnostic tool. Green turtles with a diet of seagrass showed higher levels of total protein than turtles of the same size with algal diets. Clinically sick turtles from Fog Bay had significantly higher levels of urea and AST and lower PCV values than healthy turtles from the same population. Newly recruited turtles from Fog Bay also had higher levels of urea and AST compared to other turtles from the same area. Low levels of internal parasites did not affect blood reference values in clinically healthy turtles.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following organizations and individuals. Parks Australia North and Department of Environment and Heritage provided access to Ashmore Reef and provided logistic support while in the field. Australian Customs and Royal Australian Navy provided transport to Ashmore Reef. Max, Maxwell and David Baumber provided field support at Fog Bay. Berrimah Farm, Northern Territory Government Laboratory provided great service and conducted all chemical analyses. Financial support was provided by the Natural Heritage Trust and the Queens Trust for Young Australians. All procedures were conducted under permits from the Animal Ethics Committee at Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia. This manuscript was improved by comments from Andrea Koch.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia

    Scott D. Whiting & Michael L. Guinea

  2. Biomarine International, Charles Darwin University, PO Box 376u, Darwin, NT, 0815, Australia

    Scott D. Whiting

  3. Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box 15155, City East, Brisbane, Queensland, 4002, Australia

    Colin J. Limpus

  4. Berrimah Farm, Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia

    Kevin Fomiatti

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  1. Scott D. Whiting
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  2. Michael L. Guinea
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  3. Colin J. Limpus
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Correspondence to Scott D. Whiting.

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Whiting, S.D., Guinea, M.L., Limpus, C.J. et al. Blood chemistry reference values for two ecologically distinct populations of foraging green turtles, eastern Indian Ocean. Comp Clin Pathol 16, 109–118 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-006-0646-y

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