Normal haematology and blood biochemistry of wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Date
2007
Authors
Lovely C.J.
Pittman J.M.
Leslie A.J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Wild Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) of various size classes were captured in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Blood was collected from the post occipital sinus and used for the determination of a wide range of haematological and biochemical parameters. These values were compared between the sexes and between 3 size classes. The values were also compared with the limited data available from farmed Nile crocodiles, as well as from other wild Nile crocodiles. The Okavango crocodiles were comparatively anaemic, and had comparatively low total protein and blood glucose levels. There was a high prevalence of Hepatozoon pettiti infection, however, there was no significant difference in haematological values between the infected and uninfected crocodiles. The values reported here will be useful in diagnostic investigations in both zoo and farmed Nile crocodiles.
Description
Keywords
glucose, plasma protein, alligator, anemia, animal disease, article, blood analysis, blood chemistry, blood sampling, Botswana, controlled study, diagnostic value, female, glucose blood level, hematological parameters, male, nonhuman, normal value, protein blood level, protozoal infection, reference value, seroprevalence, sex difference, species difference, Crocodylidae (all crocodiles), Crocodylus niloticus, Hepatozoon
Citation
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
78
3
78
3