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Haematological and serum biochemical reference values for captive blue-fronted amazon parrot

Blood reference values for Amazona aestiva

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Abstract

The parrot species Amazona aestiva is categorised as least concern by the Red List of Threatened Species and is one of the most popular parrot species to be traded illegally. Such illegal trade and degradation of its habitat is a threat to the species, with a decrease in the species’ population already reported. This study aimed to determine haematology and biochemistry reference values for A. aestiva to assist veterinarian and conservation programmes in the care of this species. Sampling was conducted in April 2014; a total of 32 birds were manually restrained, and their blood samples were collected and divided into two aliquots. Haematological parameters evaluated included red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, differential leukocyte count, haematocrit, thrombocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and RBC indexes. The biochemical parameters measured were alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin, total protein and urea. Comparison between the male and female groups showed no significant difference in haematological parameters, and amongst the biochemical parameters, only calcium level was significantly different. No basophils or eosinophils were detected. Reference values of all measured haematological and biochemical parameters were recorded for the species. Although the results across studies may vary, it is important that all obtained information is revealed for future use. The data gathered in the present study add to the existing knowledge about A. aestiva and will be useful in the conservation and management programmes and for veterinarians.

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Acknowledgments

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PROSUP) is acknowledged for a Masters fellowship (F.E.P) (Number M02 2013 MS017). The work was supported by funds from UVV. Dr. João Luiz Rossi Júnior is acknowledged for the help with the blood sampling and his unwavering moral support. The authors thank Centro de Diagnóstico Veterinário for the assistance with the blood analyses. The authors are grateful to Pássaro Verde Commercial Breeder for the access to the birds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Master Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Universidade Vila Velha, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, no. 21, Boa Vista, Vila Velha, CEP: 29.102-77, ES, Brazil

    Fernanda E. Pinto, Tadeu U. de Andrade, Denise C. Endringer & Dominik Lenz

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  1. Fernanda E. Pinto
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  2. Tadeu U. de Andrade
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  3. Denise C. Endringer
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  4. Dominik Lenz
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dominik Lenz.

Ethics declarations

All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. There were no human participants in this study.

Ethical Approval

All applicable international, national and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. There were no human participants in this study.

Conflict of interest

Author Fernanda Endringer Pinto has received research grants from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PROSUP) (Number M02 2013 MS017). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Funding

This study was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PROSUP) (Number M02 2013 MS017).

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Pinto, F.E., de Andrade, T.U., Endringer, D.C. et al. Haematological and serum biochemical reference values for captive blue-fronted amazon parrot. Comp Clin Pathol 25, 519–524 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-015-2215-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-015-2215-8

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