Abstract
Agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, WAGLER 1831) have been studied in captivity as a potential source of meat for rural populations in Brazil, as a way of providing low-cost protein and easing hunting pressures in local communities. However, little is known about their physiological blood markers, which are crucial for animal husbandry and effective welfare management. This study provides hemogasometric and ionic venous parameters for female agoutis raised in captivity in the drylands of Brazil. Venous blood samples were collected from six females and analyzed for dissolved gases and ions in the blood. Hemogasometric parameters, especially base excess and anion gap were generally heterogenous, while ions varied little among individuals. Moreover, we observed high chlorine values and negative base excess values, which suggest that some animals might be implementing compensatory mechanisms for ion imbalances. We provide a preliminary note on agouti venous gases and ions, while reiterating the importance of the clinical context and in-house parameter definition to maximize accuracy.
Highlights
Agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) is a South American rodent of emerging zootechnical value, as it is already traditionally hunted by rural populations and exhibits qualities favorable to domestication such as docility, a relatively short reproductive cycle and easy breeding in captivity (JONES; GARCIA, 2020; RIBEIRO et al, 2008a, b)
Among the clinical markers of health, blood gases and ions are crucial for understanding fluid and electrolyte regulation
Our findings provide a preliminary picture of venous gases and ions in female agouti, and represent useful information for later disease research
Summary
Agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) is a South American rodent of emerging zootechnical value, as it is already traditionally hunted by rural populations and exhibits qualities favorable to domestication such as docility, a relatively short reproductive cycle and easy breeding in captivity (JONES; GARCIA, 2020; RIBEIRO et al, 2008a, b). Ions in the blood contribute to the overall charges and are required for several body functions, such as osmoregulation, enzyme activity, cell communication, hormonal regulation, and neurotransmission (MANNING, 2001; SCHAER, 2008). For this purpose, cell counts and blood biochemistry parameters have been reported (CONDE JÚNIOR et al, 2012; RIBEIRO et al, 2008a, b), but there are no reported values for certain ions, nor a hemogasometric profile, to the best of our knowledge. This study aimed to provide physiological values for hemogasometric parameters, as well as sodium, potassium, chlorine and total calcium levels in the blood of captive female agoutis
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