Abstract
The study of blood chemistry provides important information about many aspects of the biology and physiology of animals. It is known that many factors can influence the results of such analyses. A proper knowledge of these effects is necessary to correctly interpret the results. In this paper, we analyzed the daily variations of blood biochemical parameters of 32 captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) of both sexes to test the effect of the daily cycle on these parameters. We found daily variation in glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, triglycerides, and calcium, but not in total protein and creatinine. A sex effect was only significant in uric acid. The most reliable data were those obtained from blood samples collected in midday hours. Hence, this time is suggested for blood-sampling in future studies.
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Acknowledgements
This is a contribution to FEDER-UE 1FD1997-2299. We wish to thank Consejería de Medio Ambiente ( Junta de Andalucía) for supplying the birds. Thanks to Dr. Balsera and her colleagues from Laboratorio de Análisis Clínicos at Cruz Roja Hospital for analyzing all samples. The experiments comply with the current Spanish laws on animal experimentation.
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Rodríguez, P., Tortosa, F.S. & Gortázar, C. Daily variations of blood biochemical parameters in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa). Eur J Wildl Res 52, 277–281 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-006-0051-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-006-0051-5