Biochemical indices to monitor health status with respect to reproductive cycle of Melanochelys trijuga

Abstract

Blood analysis can provide information regarding the physiological condition of an individual animal or population health as a whole. The present investigation analyzed clinical laboratory data of soluble organic substances of plasma namely triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT/ aspartate amionotransferase) and albumin of Asian pond turtle Melanochelys trijuga. Using multiple samples measures of analysis and variance was determined. M. trijuga exhibited variation in biochemical parameters with respect to reproductive cycle. Biochemical profiles of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, SGPT and albumin values found to be high in preparative period and minimum in recrudescent period of the reproductive cycle. This indicates that the preparative period is the stage where the animals prepare for the forth coming reproductive period. The level of triglycerides and cholesterol varied independently. All the parameters fluctuated with in normal range. The data may be useful to evaluate the health status of the turtle for veterinary care and conservation.