Reference intervals for parameters of health of eastern grey kangaroos <i>Macropus giganteus</i> and management implications across their geographic range

Brandimarti, Maquel E.; Gray, Rachael; Coulson, Geoff; Cripps, Jemma K.; Wilson, Michelle; Death, Clare; Snape, Melissa A.; Wimpenny, Claire; Silva, Fabiola Rodrigues Oliveira; Miller, Emily; Scanes, Elliot; Spielman, Derek; Thomas, Georgia; Herbert, Catherine A.

doi:10.2981/wlb.00692

Cited by 6 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…EDTA whole-blood samples preserved in Streck were analyzed using a Sysmex XN1000i automated hematology analyzer (Roche diagnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia) at the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services (VPDS), The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia, within 7 days of blood collection (after Brandimarti et al 2020 ). The following parameters were determined: hematocrit (HCT; l/l), hemoglobin (HGB; g/l), total red blood cell count (RBC; ×10 12 /l), total WBC count (×10 9 /l), platelet count (PLT; ×10 9 /l), and nucleated RBC count (NRBC; ×10 9 /l).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An additional larger data set was used to compare health parameters from a range of sites. This larger data set contains observations from up to five comparative kangaroo populations, described briefly below and previously by Brandimarti et al (2020) . Nelson Bay Golf Course (NBGC; 32.728°S, 152.150°E) is a peri-urban free-ranging population in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, with a population density ranging from 1.88 (2015) to 1.21 (2018) individuals per ha.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Blood analytes were partitioned based on age (adult and subadult) as recommended for interpretation of species-specific RIs ( Brandimarti et al 2020 ). For both subgroups, each analyte from an individual was compared to the upper and lower limit of the relevant RI ( Brandimarti et al 2020 ). Each value was classified as residing within the RI range or residing above or below the upper and lower limit.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The number of animals in each classification was converted to a percentage of the total sample group at LAMN. Analytes with < 2.5% (nonparametric 95% confidence intervals, CI s) or < 5% (robust 90% CI s) of the population falling outside the central RI could indicate random error and are not uncommon, even for healthy populations ( Friedrichs et al 2012 ; Brandimarti et al 2020 ). Blood analytes were described using median values with 95% CI s to allow for comparison between subgroups and because most analytes were not normally distributed (Shapiro–Wilk normality test).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This paper reports and compares the results of hematological and serum protein analyses, parasite counts (gastrointestinal worms, ticks, and mites), and trace element and heavy metal concentrations from kangaroos at Look at Me Now Headland (LAMN) and lower density kangaroo populations elsewhere. Blood parameters of kangaroos sampled at LAMN are compared to established RIs for the species ( Brandimarti et al 2020 ). In addition, the influence of biotic (sex and maturity) and abiotic (season, site, and rainfall) factors is examined.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Kangaroos at maximum capacity: health assessment of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos on a coastal headland

Brandimarti

Gray

Silva

et al. 2021

Journal of Mammalogy

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Sprawling urban development is fragmenting the landscape and native wildlife habitats on the Australian east coast. The impact of this rapid urbanization on wildlife health is largely unknown. This study surveyed the health of a high-density (5.4 individuals per ha) population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) affected by urban encroachment and prolonged drought. Blood parameters (hematological and serum protein), trace element and heavy metal concentrations, and parasite counts (fecal worm egg counts, ticks, and mites) are reported for a sample of ≤ 54 kangaroos at Look at Me Now Headland, New South Wales, Australia. These parameters were compared to lower density kangaroo populations from other sites in New South Wales. We found the health and welfare of this population to be severely compromised, with nonregenerative anemia and nutritional deficiencies evident. Our results indicate that high-density kangaroo populations isolated by urban encroachment are at significant health risk. To prevent further decline in this population’s health, we discuss management strategies that could be employed, concurrent with ongoing health and disease monitoring, to mitigate the poor health outcomes in this population. We conclude that it is essential to retain habitat connectivity when altering land use in areas with resident kangaroo populations if managers are to maintain healthy populations.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Kangaroos at maximum capacity: health assessment of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos on a coastal headland

Brandimarti

Gray

Silva

et al. 2021

Journal of Mammalogy

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Seasonal and geographic variation in packed cell volume and selected serum chemistry of platypuses

Stewart

Bino

Hawke

2021

Sci Rep

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Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) inhabit the permanent rivers and creeks of eastern Australia, from north Queensland to Tasmania, but are experiencing multiple and synergistic anthropogenic threats. Baseline information of health is vital for effective monitoring of populations but is currently sparse for mainland platypuses. Focusing on seven hematology and serum chemistry metrics as indicators of health and nutrition (packed cell volume (PCV), total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, and triglycerides), we investigated their variation across the species’ range and across seasons. We analyzed 249 unique samples collected from platypuses in three river catchments in New South Wales and Victoria. Health metrics significantly varied across the populations’ range, with platypuses from the most northerly catchment, having lower PCV, and concentrations of albumin and triglycerides and higher levels of globulin, potentially reflecting geographic variation or thermal stress. The Snowy River showed significant seasonal patterns which varied between the sexes and coincided with differential reproductive stressors. Male creatinine and triglyceride levels were significantly lower than females, suggesting that reproduction is energetically more taxing on males. Age specific differences were also found, with juvenile PCV and TP levels significantly lower than adults. Additionally, the commonly used body condition index (tail volume index) was only negatively correlated with urea, and triglyceride levels. A meta-analysis of available literature revealed a significant latitudinal relationship with PCV, TP, albumin, and triglycerides but this was confounded by variation in sampling times and restraint methods. We expand understanding of mainland platypuses, providing reference intervals for PCV and six blood chemistry, while highlighting the importance of considering seasonal variation, to guide future assessments of individual and population condition.

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The effect of testosterone suppression on health and parasite burden in male eastern grey kangaroos (

Brandimarti

Gray²,

Hilton³

et al. 2021

Aust. Mammal.

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Testosterone has a dualistic effect in males by promoting sexual ornamentation at the cost of immune defence. This trade-off has been demonstrated in several taxa, such that males often host a greater parasite burden compared with female conspecifics. We suppressed testosterone in wild male eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) for 10 weeks using a novel gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine, Bopriva. We evaluated the impact of testosterone suppression on testes width, parameters of health, tick and worm burden in kangaroos using a before-after-control-impact (BACI) experimental design. Given the potential impact of animal movement on parasite burden, core area use of a subset of males was also determined. Bopriva significantly reduced testosterone in male kangaroos as well as reducing the combined size of testes by 9.6% (P = 0.01). There was no detectable effect of testosterone suppression on parasite burden and core area use in Treated kangaroos compared to Control (placebo) and Before treatment animals. Our results suggest that a duration of suppression longer than 10 weeks may be required to observe changes in parasite burden. Overall, this study provides a suitable framework for future studies to test whether reproductive hormones influence energy allocation, parasitism, and reproductive strategies in marsupials.

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Reference intervals for parameters of health of eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus and management implications across their geographic range

Abstract: BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Cited by 6 publications

References 73 publications

Kangaroos at maximum capacity: health assessment of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos on a coastal headland

Kangaroos at maximum capacity: health assessment of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos on a coastal headland

Seasonal and geographic variation in packed cell volume and selected serum chemistry of platypuses

The effect of testosterone suppression on health and parasite burden in male eastern grey kangaroos (

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