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Haematological, cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells and serum chemistry in captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Thailand

Comparative Clinical Pathology volume 22, pages 1015–1024 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is classified as a preserved animal of Thailand. It is listed as an endangered species on the 2008 IUCN red list and also by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Blood samples from captive Malayan tapirs (n = 20, 10 males and 10 females) from five zoos under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand were examined and measured for complete blood counts, serum chemistry and electrolyte analysis. Cytochemical staining including Peroxidase, Sudan Black B, Periodic acid Schiff's reaction (PAS), α-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and β-glucuronidase (BG) was also analysed. Statistically significant differences were found between sexes including alkaline phosphatase, total protein and red cell distribution widths. Red blood cells were slightly anisocytosis, (range 4.5–8.5 μm) with 6.3-μm mean diameter. Eosinophils and monocytes were positive with all five cytochemical stains. Lymphocytes showed a variable reaction for ANAE and BG. PAS was positive for all type of blood cells except red blood cells. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils had the largest round shape with three-capsule layer granules which were prominent and distinguishable from other species. This investigation provides basic haematology and serum chemistry analyses as well blood cells identification guideline for the Malayan tapir and serves as endangered mammal reference values.

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Acknowledgements

This work was partially supported by Thesis and Dissertation Support Fund, the Graduate School, Kasetsart University. The authors gratefully acknowledge the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Thailand, for research funding. We wish to thank Miss Piyawan Suthunmapinuntra and Miss Nirachara Rochanapat for their assistance in fieldwork.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, NakornPathom, 73140, Thailand

    Chaleow Salakij & Worawidh Wajjwalku

  2. Bureau of Conservation Research and Education, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, 71 Rama V Road, Dusit, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand

    Boripat Siriaroonrut, Wanlaya Tipkantha & Aungsumaln Rotphai

  3. Central Instrumentation Unit, Faculty of science, Mahasarakham University, MahaSarakham, 44150, Thailand

    Nual-Anong Narkkong

  4. The Graduate School, Kasetsart University, 50 PaholYothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand

    Yuttamol Muangkram

Authors
  1. Yuttamol Muangkram
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  2. Chaleow Salakij
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  3. Boripat Siriaroonrut
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  4. Wanlaya Tipkantha
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  5. Nual-Anong Narkkong
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  6. Aungsumaln Rotphai
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  7. Worawidh Wajjwalku
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Correspondence to Chaleow Salakij.

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Muangkram, Y., Salakij, C., Siriaroonrut, B. et al. Haematological, cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells and serum chemistry in captive Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Thailand. Comp Clin Pathol 22, 1015–1024 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-012-1520-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-012-1520-8

Keywords

  • Cytochemistry
  • Haematology
  • Malayan tapir
  • Serum chemistry
  • Tapirus indicus
  • Ultrastructure