Normal blood chemistry of the Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)

Abstract

SUMMARYBlood samples were obtained from two sub-species of captive houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata and Chlamydotis undulara macqueenii) in order to establish normal blood chemistry reference values. The two sub-species were housed under the same conditions, the only difference being that C. u. undulata were fed exclusively on concentrated feed (in the form of pellets) and C. u. macqueenii were fed on a mixture of concentrated feed, minced meat and mixed vegetables/fruits. Twenty one different tests were conducted using a Kodak Ektachem DT II drychemistry system. Significant differences between the two sub-species were found for glucose, creatinine, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, ammonia, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, cholesterol and triglycerides. The results obtained from this study provide important reference blood chemistry values for the two sub-species and demonstrate a possible effect of different dietary regimes or simply a genotypic variation between the sub-species.

DNA Barcodes of Asian Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii)

“…[5] have demonstrated that Houbara gonadal primordial germ cells can migrate, differentiate and eventually give rise to functional sperm in chimeric chicken testis; this approach may provide a promising tool for propagation and conservation of endangered avian species that cannot breed in captivity. Although several studies have been undertaken to study biochemical, microbiological and immunological alterations in Houbara Bustard [23,27–30], limited data are available on molecular diversity of this bird. Idaghdour et al .…”

Medical Rehabilitation and Quarantine of Illegally Traded Macqueen's Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii) in the United Arab Emirates

“…These samples are accessible for retrospective studies. 19 Clinical species standards, such as reference ranges for hematologic 20 biochemical, 21 and microbial flora, [22][23][24] have been established for both juvenile and adult Macqueen's bustards. These species standards are crucial to interpreting laboratory results.…”

Fatty liver syndrome in captive bustards: Clinical, pathological and epidemiological findings

“…Blood samples for biochemistry analysis were collected from 10 houbara bustards within a week prior to death. The details of methods for blood collection and analysis are given elsewhere (D'Aloia et al, 1996). Briefly, each bird was manually restrained whilst 0.5 ml of blood was withdrawn from a brachial vein, using 3-ml disposable syringes and 23 X 5/8-inch disposable needles.…”

“…Normal blood values for houbara bustards (two sub-species) are given elsewhere (D'Aloia et al, 1996). Although glucose was reduced in houbara bustards with fatty liver disease, serum was separated from clotted samples 6 to 12 hours after collection, and frozen for up to 12 months before analysis.…”