Reference Value Advisor Research Articles

Association of Body Condition Score with Ultrasound Measurements of Backfat and Longissimus Dorsi Muscle Thickness in Periparturient Holstein Cows

Simple SummaryAssociation of body condition scoring with the amount and mobilization of backfat and skeletal muscle around calving in dairy cows, although essential, has not been sufficiently investigated yet. The metabolic state of subcutaneous fat can be safely predicted by repeated body condition scorings, but the metabolic state of muscle tissue must be assessed by repeated ultrasound measurements. The results enhance our on-farm ability to assess the nutrient reserves in dairy cows transitioning from gestation to lactation.Most cows experience a period of nutrient deficit during the periparturient period. Body condition scoring (BCS) is widely used on farms to assess body nutrient reserves and mobilization. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the association of BCS with ultrasound measurements of backfat (BFT) and longissimus dorsi muscle thickness (LDT) during the periparturient period of Holstein cows from different herds, accounting for potential sources of variation, such as herd, parity and period relative to calving and (ii) establish reference intervals (RIs) for BFT and LDT per BCS estimate. Two-hundred and fifty-two cows from six commercial farms were used. Body condition scores, BFT and LDT were assessed at seven time-points during the periparturient period. Assessments of BCS estimates as predictors of BFT and LDT and the contribution of BFT and LDT to BCS estimates were performed with the use of linear mixed models. Reference intervals for BFT and LDT per BCS estimate were established with the Reference Value Advisor. One unit of BCS change was associated with 8.2 mm of BFT and 10.9 mm of LDT pre- and postpartum. Range of BFT and LDT in established RIs per BCS was wide with significant overlap. Both subcutaneous fat and, to a lesser degree, skeletal muscle reserves contribute to BCS estimation. Repeated BCS estimations credibly predict energy balance status in periparturient dairy cows. The metabolic state of muscle tissue should be assessed by repeated ultrasound measurements.

Haematological reference intervals in captive African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)

The African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is one of the most popular avian pets in exotic animal practice. In this study, blood samples (n = 459) from healthy African Grey parrots (n = 239) were collected for haematological testing. Reference intervals were determined according to the guidelines of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology with the Reference Value Advisor (v2.1) freeware. The calculated reference intervals (RIs) were: packed cell volume 38–59%; haemoglobin 105–154 g/l; RBC 2.3–3.3 10<sup>6</sup>/µl; MCV 145.5–199.7 fl; MHC 38.3–55.6 pg; MCHC 232–313 g/l; WBC 2.7–12.6 10<sup>3</sup>/µl; heterophils 1.2–10.2 10<sup>3</sup>/µl; lymphocytes 0.8–4.3 10<sup>3</sup>/µl; monocytes 0.0–0.6 10<sup>3</sup>/µl; basophils 0.0–0.1 10<sup>3</sup>/µl; eosinophils 0.0–0.2 10<sup>3</sup>/µl. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in psittacines to use such a high number of birds and samples to establish haematological species-specific RIs, providing a valuable tool to professionals dealing with the health of African Grey parrots.

Haematology and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for the critically endangered western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis porteri).

Reference intervals (RIs) are an increasingly valuable tool for monitoring captive and free-living wildlife populations. Galapagos tortoises are one of the most emblematic species on Earth with 9 of the 12 extant species considered endangered due to human activities. As part of a long-term health assessment within the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme, we sampled a total of 210 free-living Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis porteri). We collected blood from the brachial vein and performed packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), morphological evaluation, white blood cell (WBC) count estimates and differentials and a VetScan biochemistry panel for each individual. We calculated 95% RIs and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Reference Value Advisor tool and following international standard guidelines. Tortoises were categorized by estimated age and sex, with RI and CI reported here for 164 adult tortoises and 46 sub-adult tortoises. We found significant differences between sexes, with adult females presenting a lower PCV and higher values for both calcium and potassium. Among age groups, adult tortoises presented higher PCV, TS and albumin and lower WBC counts, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase than sub-adult tortoises. We also found that tortoises presented higher numbers of lymphocytes during the dry season, but higher basophils, eosinophils, phosphorus, potassium and TS during the humid season. The heterophil:lymphocyte ratio did not differ between groups. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of formal plasma biochemistry and haematology RI for free-living Galapagos tortoises. With the present study we provide an important diagnostic tool for captive-breeding programs in the Galapagos and zoological institutions globally that care for giant tortoises. The ultimate goal of this study is to contribute to the understanding of giant tortoise baseline health parameters and to inform local management decisions that help to conserve these emblematic species.

Determination of Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Packed Cell Volume and Plasma Biochemistry Reference Intervals and Reference Values

Despite the popularity of leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) in the pet trade, packed-cell-volume (PCV) and biochemistry reference intervals are still lacking for these animals. The risk of inducing tail autotomy during venipuncture is of particular concern in this species. Blood samples were obtained from 26 healthy subadults (14 females and 12 males) from the ventral coccygeal vein or the cranial vena cava under general anesthesia with isoflurane. Plasma biochemistry panels were performed by a reference laboratory and PCV was measured. Reference intervals were established following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Reference values were established for parameters with less than 20 available results because of limited sample volumes. Results were computed using the Reference Value Advisor software. Venipuncture was performed safely, without tail autotomy, in all 26 individuals. No lymph contamination was detected macroscopically. Reference intervals were 21–40% for PCV, 33–394 µmol/L for uric acid (0.5 to 6.6 mg/dL), 0–3,701 IU/L for creatine kinase, and 0.6–37.5 µmol/L for bile acids. Reference values were established for the following parameters: 0.5–5.3 mmol/L for phosphorus (1.5–16.4 mg/dL), 24–80 g/L for total protein (2.4–8.0 g/dL), 3.5 to >9.25 mmol/L for total calcium in females (14 to >37 mg/dL), and 11–65 IU/L for aspartate aminotransferase. Biochemistry results in leopard geckos were similar to those reported in crested geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus).

Haematological, serum biochemical and electrophoretic data on healthy captive Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Bats play a key role as reservoir hosts of many emerging viral diseases with zoonotic potential. However, little is known about the laboratory reference intervals (RIs) of bats, especially Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus). The aim of this study was to obtain haematological, biochemical and electrophoretic RIs from captive fruit bats. Blood was collected from 21 R. aegyptiacus (11 females and 10 males). Complete blood cell count was performed using an impedance cell counter followed by the morphologic analysis of blood smears. Clinical biochemistry was performed with an automated spectrophotometer and agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out with an automated instrument. Reference intervals were determined using the Reference Value Advisor V2.1, following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Possible differences related to sex or sexual maturity were also investigated. The RIs for most of the analytes investigated were similar to those of other types of bats and other mammalian species. Haematology revealed mild polychromasia and slightly lower haematocrit, haemoglobin, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts compared to other bats. Glucose levels varied possibly due to stress, the anaesthetic protocol and fasting time. Creatine kinase was higher, while triglycerides were lower compared with domestic mammals and other bats. No sex- or age-related differences were found. Serum protein electrophoresis showed five fractions (albumin, α-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins). The values recorded in this study could be helpful as a reference biological dataset to monitor the health status of wild and captive R. aegyptiacus and, possibly, of other Chiroptera.

Hematological parameters and total plasma protein values of captive strigiformes occurring in Brazil

Brazil has the highest number of birds of prey in the world, which are important environmental quality indicators. Nevertheless, few studies of the clinical pathology of raptors have been developed in this country. The objectives of this study were to create a database of owl hematology in Brazil and to compare the values between sex in Asio clamator, Megascops spp. and Tyto furcata. Blood samples were collected from 81 captive owls of 10 species located in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo states, Brazil. Hemogram and Total Plasma Protein (TPP) values were determined. Reference intervals (RIs) and descriptive statistic values were established using an Excel program with Reference Value Advisor. The reference intervals were the following: A. clamator: RBC (×106/?L) 1.0-2.5; PCV (%) 30.2-50.1; Hb (g dL-1) 6.7-15.3; MCV (fL) 123.8-355.2; MCHC (%) 17.1-38.6; WBC (× 103/?L) 1.2-23.6; Heterophils (× 103/?L) 0.6-16.6; Lymphocytes (× 103/?L) 0.6-10.2; Eosinophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-1.9; Basophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-1.0; Thrombocytes (× 103/?L) 10.8-56.6; H/L 0.0-10.8. Megascops spp.: RBC (× 106/?L) 0.8-2.3; PCV (%) 29.7-44.6; Hb (g dL-1) 6.4-12.4; MCV (fL) 131.6-374.4; MCHC (%) 12.1-34; WBC (× 103/?L) 0.7-23.1; Heterophils (× 103/?L) 1.1-10.3; Lymphocytes (× 103/?L) 0.0-11.5; Eosinophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-2.2; Basophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-0.7; Thrombocytes (× 103/?L) 10.3-43.6; H/L 0.5-7.3; TPP (g dL-1) 2.9-5.1. The parameters for Tyto furcata were presented with descriptive statistics values. Individual data were provided for the others Strigiformes species sampled. This study provides a wide database of hematological and TPP references for Megascops spp., A. clamator and T. furcata and hematological values for Athene cunicularia, Bubo virginianus, Pulsatrix perspicillata, Asio stygius, Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, Strix virgata and Asio flammeus in Brazil.

Biochemical reference intervals for homing pigeons in China

As indicators of diseases, blood biochemical values play a crucial role in clinical practice and assessments of animals’ health condition. The rising population of homing pigeons in China has prompted needs for reliable blood biochemical reference intervals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish biochemical reference intervals for homing pigeons. Heparinized whole blood samples obtained from 77 clinically healthy pigeons were analyzed by Zoetis Abaxis VetScan VS2 with VetScan Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus Rotor. Reference intervals for pigeons were computed by Excel with Reference Value Advisor V2.1. The statistical analysis performed by SPSS program revealed correlations between biochemical analytes. Effects of sex and age and validity of published reference intervals were also discussed. The present results serve as a useful guide to broaden the scope of pigeon breeding industry.

Determination of reference intervals for single vial rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters and correlation with plasmatic coagulation times in 49 clinically healthy dogs

The objectives of this prospective study were determination of reference intervals (RI) for rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters in single use reagents and to evaluate correlations between plasmatic coagulation times and ROTEM parameters. Blood was sampled from a jugular vein in 49 client-owned healthy dogs and ex-tem S, in-tem S, fib-tem S and ap-tem S parameters, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, haematology, blood chemistry and venous blood gas analysis was performed. Determination of RI was performed using Excel add-in Reference Value Advisor and correlations between PT, aPTT and fibrinogen with selected ROTEM parameters were determined by Spearman correlation. Ex-tem S maximum clot firmness (MCF) RI are smaller compared to RI in people and liquid ex-tem in dogs while maximum lysis was comparable to those in people but smaller than previously reported in dogs. A strong correlation was found between fibrinogen measured by Clauss and fib-tem S and in-tem S MCF (r = 0.541, P < .001 and r = 0.610, P < .001, respectively). PT showed a significant but moderate correlation with ex-tem S CT (r = 0.340, P = .030), in-tem S CFT (r = 0.433, P = .003), fib-tem S CT (r = 0.426, P = .009) and ap-tem S CT (r = 0.354, P = .015) while aPTT was not significantly correlated with any of the evaluated parameters. In conclusion, this study provides single use reagent ROTEM parameter RIs that are different from RI determined with liquid reagents. Significant correlations between fibrinogen concentrations measured by Clauss and clot firmness of fib-tem S and in-tem S profiles and between PT and clotting times of all reagents were identified.

HEMATOLOGICAL REFERENCE INTERVALS OF ENDANGERED CAPTIVE BLACK-FRONTED PIPING-GUANS (ABURRIA JACUTINGA) IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ, BRAZIL.

The black-fronted piping-guan (Aburria jacutinga) is and an endangered cracid species and little is known about its health. Hematology allows researchers to assess the health and physiological status of a population, but, to our knowledge, reference intervals are not available in the literature for A. jacutinga. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the hematological reference intervals of 31 captive black-fronted pipingguan adults in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from brachial vein and stored in heparinized tubes to be processed. The red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were performed in a hemocytometer, and hemoglobin (HGB) concentration was obtained by the spectrophotometric cyanmethemoglobin method; packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhematocrit technique, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated according to a previously established formula. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was calculated by dividing the number of heterophils by the number of lymphocytes. Determination of the 95% reference intervals and 90% confidence intervals were performed in accordance with American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines using Reference Value Advisor (version 2.0). The results obtained were as follows: RBC, 1.4-2.8 × 106/µl; PCV, 34.3-51.2%; HGB, 8.0-12.6 g/dl; MCV, 157.3-261.4 fl; MCHC, 22.0-26.7 g/dl; WBC, 2.3-33.1 × 103/µl; heterophils, 12.1-16.3%, 0.5-14.4 × 103/µl; lymphocytes, 19.8-69.0%, 1.4-16.4 × 103/µl; monocytes, 0.7-17.3%, 0.1-2.8×103/µl; eosinophils, 0.4-12.8%, 0.0-3.9 × 103/µl; basophils, 0.8-12.0%, 0.0-1.9 × 103/µl; and the heterophil : lymphocyte ratio, 0.2-3.0. The present study fills gaps in the literature on hematological values for A. jacutinga, which can be used to assess the health of the species populations. In addition, it contributed to establishing the health status of captive black-fronted piping-guans, indicating the possible welfare of the birds.

Reference intervals for haematological parameters in the Lusitano horse breed.

The Lusitano horse is an autochthonous Portuguese breed with a growing worldwide expansion. Our objective was to establish reference intervals for haematological parameters using the haematological cell counter LaserCyte (IDEXX). For this purpose, blood samples from 100 healthy adult horses (13 females and 87 males, ranging from 3 to 25 years of age) were analysed. The reference intervals were estimated following the ASVCP guidelines with the Reference Value Advisor software. The obtained reference intervals were 6.4-10.1 × 1012/L for red blood cells, 30.6-45.1% for haematocrit, 11.6-17.1 g/dL for haemoglobin, 42.8-53.2 fL for mean corpuscular volume (MCV), 15.5-20.8 pg for mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), 33.7-39.4 g/dL for mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, 17.8-20.3% for red cell distribution width (RDW), 4.5-10.1 × 109/L for white blood cells, 2.2-6.0 × 109/L for neutrophils, 0.9-4.9 × 109/L for lymphocytes, 0.2-0.5 × 109/L for monocytes, 0.1-0.6 × 109/L for eosinophils, 0.0-0.1 × 109/L for basophils, 78.5-172.2 K/mL for platelets, 4.3-9.4 fL for mean platelet volume, 18.8-24.2% for platelet distribution width, and 0.06-0.12% for plateletcrit. LaserCyte equine reference intervals are transferable to the Lusitano horse for 18 of the 22 analytes studied. Regarding age, significant statistical differences were observed for MCV, RDW, neutrophils and lymphocytes between the mean values of young (3-6 years old), middle-aged (7-14 years old) and old (< 15 years old) age groups. MCH means were statistically significantly different between the three age groups. The haematological reference intervals established in this study might represent a valuable and applicable tool for haematological assessment of adult Lusitano horses, providing useful information that helps clinicians to interpret clinical data.

Biochemical Reference Intervals for Backyard Hens.

Keeping backyard poultry has become increasingly popular in urban and suburban households. With this rise in popularity comes an increased need for veterinarians who are willing to serve this demographic and a need for lab reference intervals that capture the range of clinically healthy backyard hens. We developed blood chemistry reference intervals for birds in backyard chicken flocks. Between June and August 2016, 133 adult, actively laying hens from 34 different flocks in Western Washington were sampled via medial metatarsal venipuncture. Whole heparinized blood was analyzed using a VetScan VS2 with Avian/Reptilian Profile Plus reagent rotors. Packed cell volume was determined via centrifugation of microhematocrit tubes. Reference intervals were calculated by Reference Value Advisor V2.1 software using the nonparametric method. Seven currently published reference intervals for the Gallus gallus domesticus could not be validated for use in backyard hens, according to the guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Of flock owners who participated in the study, 47% reported they would consider paying for a blood test if a veterinarian thought it would be beneficial.

Reference intervals for coagulation variables in healthy adult domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)

Coagulation has not been studied extensively in adult goats, and reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation variables have not yet been established and would be clinically useful. The goal of this study was to establish coagulation variable RIs in adult goats for future coagulation interpretation. Blood samples from 40 healthy adult goats were collected, and assays for PT, APTT, D-dimers, antithrombin III, and fibrinogen were performed. Coagulation variable RIs were established using the Reference Value Advisor v2.1. The RIs included: PT, 15.7-19.8 seconds; APTT, 16.2-24.3 seconds; D-dimer, 0-0.68 μg/mL; antithrombin III, 108.6%-156.5%; fibrinogen, 89.5-303.2 mg/dL. In this brief communication, we report the RIs for coagulation variables in healthy adult goats. Further research will be needed to identify coagulation changes that are associated with specific disease processes of goats.

Leukocyte Reference Intervals for Free-Ranging Hummingbirds in Northern California, USA.

Hummingbirds are specialized nectarivores and important ecological pollinators that are the focus of conservation efforts as well as scientific investigations of metabolism and flight dynamics. Despite their importance, basic information is lacking about hummingbird blood cells. We aimed to establish reference intervals for total and differential leukocyte counts from healthy free-ranging hummingbirds in northern California. Hummingbirds were captured in four counties in spring and summer of 2012. A drop of blood was used to prepare smears for total white blood cell estimate and 200-cell differential leukocyte counts. Reference Value Advisor was used for descriptive statistics and calculation of reference intervals. Blood smears from 42 Anna's Hummingbirds ( Calypte anna) and 33 Black-chinned Hummingbirds ( Archilochus alexandri) were included. The only significant differences in leukocyte counts were due to age, and juvenile hummingbirds had significantly higher lymphocyte counts than adult hummingbirds ( P<0.0001). These reference intervals provide robust baseline data to evaluate health status and disease in free-ranging hummingbirds.

Validation of a paraoxon-based method for measurement of paraoxonase (PON-1) activity and establishment of RIs in horses.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an antioxidant compound that is considered a negative acute phase protein. No information on the analytic performance of the paraoxon method for measuring PON-1 in horse serum is available. The aim of this study was to validate a paraoxon-based method to measure PON-1 in horses and to establish RIs in healthy horses and foals. Horses and foals classified as healthy after physical examination and routine biochemistry were used in the study. Serum PON-1 activity was measured with an automated spectrophotometer and an enzymatic method validated in other species. After the analytic validation (precision, accuracy, interference studies), RIs were determined using the Reference Value Advisor software. The possible sex-, age-, and breed-related differences were statistically investigated. The healthy study population included 120 horses and 55 foals. The paraoxon-based method was precise (CVs<4.0%) and accurate (P<.001 in linearity under dilution and spike-recovery testing) but was affected by interference from mild bilirubinemia, severe lipemia, and hemoglobinemia. The RIs recorded in the whole population were 38.1-80.8U/mL. According to the Harris and Boyd test, it would be advisable to use separate RIs only for adult females and for Warmblood and Trotter adults. This study demonstrated that the analytic performances of the paraoxon-based method for measurement of PON-1 in horses are acceptable. The PON-1 activity is lower in horses than in other domestic species. These results may provide a basis for further studies designed to establish whether healthy and sick horses can be correctly classified by using the PON-1 assay.

Hematology reference intervals for neonatal Holstein calves

Data regarding hematologic reference intervals (RI) for neonatal calves have not been published yet. The aims of this study were: a) to establish hematology RIs for neonatal Holstein calves, b) to compare them with the RIs for lactating cows, and c) to investigate the relationship of age and gender with the hematologic profile of calves. Two-hundred and fifty-four clinically healthy Holstein calves (1–9days old, from 30 farms) and 82 healthy Holstein cows (between 30 and 150days in milk, from 10 farms) were blood sampled once for a complete blood count evaluation, using the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer. An additional blood sample was collected from each calf for serum total protein concentration measurement. RIs and age-related RIs were calculated with the Reference Value Advisor freeware. Comparisons between calves and cows and between male and female calves were performed with t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts in calves were higher, while mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were lower than in cows. Lymphocyte and platelets showed a notable increase through age. Finally, female calves had higher RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration than males. Age-specific RIs should be used for the interpretation of the complete blood count in Holstein calves.

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Reference Intervals for Six-Week-Old, Farm-Reared Chinese Ring-Necked Pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ) from Minnesota.

Chinese ring-necked pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ) are commonly farmed in intensive operations for purposes such as meat production, hunting preserves, or research. Under these conditions, pheasants frequently suffer medical ailments such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections or nutritional or metabolic disorders. Relatively little scientific information exists regarding clinical pathology reference intervals (RIs) for farm-reared pheasants. The objective of this study was to determine RIs for hematologic and serum biochemical variables for Chinese ring-necked pheasants from Minnesota at 6 wk of age. Blood samples from 119 clinically healthy Chinese ring-necked pheasants were analyzed using standard techniques. Reference intervals were generated in Microsoft® Excel® 2013 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) using Reference Value Advisor freeware version 2.1 (Microsoft). Ninety-five percent RIs were determined using nonparametric methods that followed Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. These RIs will be useful for the monitoring of health and diagnosis of disease in confined Chinese ring-necked pheasant populations that are approximately 6 wk old.

Hematologic and biochemical RIs for an aged population of captive African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus).

Established RIs for geriatric African Green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) are critical for clinical differentiation of normal aging from disease-related changes in this population. The aim of this study was to establish hematologic and serum biochemical RIs for a Caribbean captive population of geriatric (≥ 15 years of age) African Green monkeys, or Vervets. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for a cohort of 109 healthy, aged (15- to 30-year-old, median 19-year-old) Vervets. Both male (34) and female (75) monkeys were included in RI generation. Complete manual and analyzer-generated blood counts and serum biochemistry profiles were performed at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, St. Kitts, West Indies. All results were evaluated using Reference Value Advisor. Isolated outliers were identified using Dixon's outlier range statistic and not included in determination of RIs for individual analytes. Reference intervals were determined using parametric and nonparametric methods depending on the distribution. Data, including mean, median, maximum, and minimum values, were tabulated. Of the 109 animals, 12 monkeys were excluded due to abnormal physical examination results (2 monkeys), and ≥ 2 confirmed outliers (9 monkeys), or evidence of disease based on laboratory data (one monkey). This study provides useful RIs for assessment of hematology and serum biochemical variables in a geriatric population of African Green monkeys in the Caribbean.

Estimation of hematological reference intervals for clinically healthy Iraqi local goats using reference value advisor

A cross section study was conducted to investigate the effect of sex and to establish reference values for hematological parameters in the Iraqi local goats in order to form a basis for clinical interpretation. A total of 120 goats (59 male and 61 female) were enrolled in the current study during the period from November to December 2016. The animal’s age ranged from 1 to 5 years. Statistical analysis showed that Hct, MCV, and WBC means were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in males as compared with females. On the other hand, the MCHC in females was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than males. Hematological parameters were measured and reference interval (RI) was determined by using Reference Value Advisor. The results revealed that the RI of hematological parameters of the present study as following: hematocrit (RBC) 9.00–18.00 × 106; Hb 9.00–10.99 g/dl; hematocrit (Hct) 24.00–35.00%, corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 29.41–42.00 g/dl; corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 4.41–6.27 pg; corpuscular volume (MCV) 13.15–19.69 fl; and WBC 7.50–13.98 × 103. The results showed that the effect of age and sex was significant (P < 0.05) on most of hematological parameters. It could be concluded that age and sex should be considered in the estimation of hematological parameters, to ensure accurate interpretation of the parameters in goats. The difference between RI of Iraqi local goats and the general reference intervals could be attributed to breed-specific variation. The findings of the present study could serve as reference values for hematological parameters of Iraqi local goats and could assist the veterinarians to interpret laboratory data and to monitor the animal health.

DETERMINACIÓN DE LOS VALORES DE REFERENCIA EN EL HEMOGRAMA DE CABALLOS NACIDOS O CRIADOS A MÁS DE 3000 M.S.N.M. EN LA SIERRA CENTRO NORTE ECUATORIANA

&lt;p&gt;En la sierra centro norte ecuatoriana se realizó un estudio de hemograma a 100 caballos mayores de dos años de edad, criados sobre los 3000 m.s.n.m., el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar valores hematológicos a esta altitud y compararlos con otros estudios realizados a nivel del mar. Las muestras sanguíneas fueron tomadas en reposo de los animales y enviadas al laboratorio para ser analizadas en el equipo de hematología automática Mindray R BC2800Vet, para el análisis de los datos y determinar los valores de referencia se utilizó el complemento de Microsoft Excel R Reference Value Advisor. Las muestras fueron tomadas de caballos criollos ecuatorianos para obtener datos hematológicos de este tipo de caballos antes no estudiado. Se encontraron 82 muestras idóneas para establecer valores de hemograma con distribución normal, glóbulos rojos 6,23 − 10,84 × 106/mL; hemoglobina 11,4−18,4 g/L; hematocrito 32,3−52,3%; volumen corpuscular medio 40,2−57 fL; hemoglobina corpuscular media 14−20,3 pg; concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media 32−37 g/L; glóbulos blancos 4,8−12×103/mL; linfocitos 1,4 − 7,5 × 103/mL; monocitos 0,2 − 0,7 × 103/mL; granulocitos 2,2 − 8,8 × 103/mL; linfocitos% 16,8 − 64,9%, monocitos% 2,9−7%, granulocitos% 30,5−78,7%; plaquetas 101−401×103/mL . Los resultados se compararon con referencias bibliográficas internacionales y se encontró diferencias significativas (P&amp;lt; 0,05) en glóbulos rojos, hemoglobina, hematocrito y monocitos en el estudio de Böhmwald et al., (1984); diferencia significativa en hematocrito, volumen corpuscular medio, linfocitos, monocitos y plaquetas con el estudio de Giordano et al., (2008); mientras que con el estudio de Díaz et al., (2011) hubo diferencia significativa con la hemoglobina, monocitos y plaquetas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Some hematological reference values estimated by the reference values advisor in the Iraqi Awassi sheep

The hematological parameters in domestic animal can be affected by several factors such as the sex, age, breed, and nutrition. There is a few published data on hematological reference values of the Iraqi Awassi sheep. Hence, the study aimed to determine hematological reference interval (RI) for the Awassi sheep to establish a basis for clinical interpretation. In the present study, a total 130 healthy Awassi sheep for both sex with two ages (2–5 years) were selected randomly from five regions (Shula, Abu-Ghraib, Mahmoudia, Yousifia, and Alameel) West and South of Baghdad during the period from December to February 2015–2016. Hematological parameters were measured by parametric and nonparametric methods using Reference Value Advisor. The RI of hematological parameters obtained in this study includes the following: the white blood cell count (WBC) (6.00–12.41 × 103/μl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (25.70–41.03 g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (6.65–15.48 pg), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (21.14–43.83 fl), red blood cells (RBC) (4.44–11.95 × 106/μl), hemoglobin (Hb) (7.08–11.04 g/dl), and packed cell volume (PCV) (19.53–20.43 %). The results also revealed that the low limits reference intervals of the hematological parameters in the Awassi sheep were lower than lower limits of the general reference values for all parameters except the WBC, while the upper limits were within the general reference values in three parameters (RBC, Hb, and PCV). The statistical analysis confirmed that the effect of age was not significant on all parameters whereas the effect of sex was significant (P < 0.05) on RBC and Hb where the estimations in males (8.33 × 106/μl, 11.09 g/dl) superior to females (7.19 × 106/μl, 8.89 g/dl). In conclusion, the results of this study indicated a considerable difference between reference interval of Awassi sheep and general reference values, besides the results confirmed the importance of establishing a local reference interval to be a more accurate guide to assess the animal status and to assist the clinician to reach a definitive diagnosis.