Understanding blood and serum values of the agouti (Dasyprocta spp.): A rodent of the Neotropics with the potential to be domesticated

Abstract

This short communication is intended to provide information on the blood and serum biochemical parameters of the agouti ( Dasyprocta spp.). Information on blood and serum biochemical parameters of this neo-tropical rodent is very scarce. Three agouti species from the Neotropical region were included in this report: Dasyprocta leporina , Dasyprocta fuliginosa and Dasyprocta prymnolopha . Several blood parameters were similar irrespective of the species, location, physiological state and method of restraint when blood was collected. Some of these parameters were red blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume. Differences seen in some parameters were attributed to the differences in physiological state or environmental impact on the animal. The literature that was available showed a large time gap of approximately thirty (30) years in the reporting of blood parameters in the agouti. Early work was done in the mid-1970s and then recommenced in the mid-2000s. Some biochemical parameters such as triglycerides, amylase, chloride, sodium, potassium, bilirubin and uric acid were only recorded in the literature once and comparison of values was impossible. These parameters require further investigation which can be done in future studies. The dearth of information on the blood profile of the agouti gives justification for further research to be done in this regard as well as more detailed analysis of the effects that the environment and physiological states may have on haematological and biochemical parameters.