Examination of Size-Dependent Hematological Parameters in Populations of Mauremys rivulata (Testudinata: Geoemydidae) Distributed in Canakkale

Abstract

In this study, effect of body size on hematology (erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, hemoglobin and hematocrit) and plasma biochemistry (glucose, calcium, cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinin, uric acid, total protein, iron, albumin, phosphorus, magnesium) values of 49 individuals (18 juvenile, 31 adult) belonging to the Mauremys rivulata species dispersed in Canakkale were identified. After transferring to the biochemical tubes which has lithium heparin in it, the blood were taken from the caudal vein of individuals centrifuged for division of plasma. Auto analyzer were used for the values of plasma biochemistry. Other hematologic parameters were defined manually. As a conclusion, reference ranges of hematology and plasma biochemistry values for the species of Mauremys rivulata were determined and effects of body size were established. In comparison to hematology and plasma biochemistry of juvenile and adult individuals, erythrocyte count and calcium levels of juvenile individuals were lower but uric acid was higher when compared to adults. When Pearson Correlation test were used for evaluating the plasma biochemistry values based on body size, there were significant differences between calcium and magnesium and values of calcium and magnesium increased as body size increased. Keywords : Mauremys rivulata, Plasma Biochemistry, Hematology, Changes Based on Size DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-4-04