Hematological markers and biochemical profiles in terms of gender and age of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) in eastern Amazon.

Complete blood counts and blood biochemical analyses are laboratory tests that allow the monitoring of physiological condition, nutrition, and health in free-living or captive wild animals. When interpreting these tests, it is essential to compare the results with reference ranges that are suitable for the species. Few studies have been conducted on the hematological and biochemical characteristics of Tayassu tajacu, particularly for animals raised in the Amazon biome. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of age and gender on the hematological and biochemical profiles of captive T. tajacu, and to establish reference intervals for these parameters. Complete blood counts and biochemical analyses were performed using manual methods and semi-automatic equipment, respectively. There were significant differences in relation to age in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, and mean cell volumes, in captive T. tajacu. No basophils were observed, and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio was less than 1. Levels of total protein, urea, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly affected by age (P < 0.05). Gender did not affect any of the results. The hematological and biochemical parameters for this species were determined, and may be used as reference ranges for captive T. tajacu.

Hematological, hepatic, and renal evaluation in Aotus azarai infulatus.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the physiological ranges of certain hematological and biochemical parameters is necessary for understanding the alterations caused by pathogenic agents and establishing differences between states of health and disease. Hematological evaluations and clinical chemistry were performed on livers and kidneys from owl monkeys with different sexes and age ranges. METHODS: Forty-one healthy owl monkeys were evaluated (26 males and 15 females) in three different age groups (AG1=3months to 1 year old; AG2=2-6years old; AG3=over 7years old). The animals received physical exams, abdominal ultrasounds, and clinical laboratory tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were observed in hematocrit and hemoglobin values between males and females. The levels of alkaline phosphatase in the tissues were significantly influenced by age. There was also a sex influence on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The results show that some hematological and clinical chemistry parameters in owl monkeys may be influenced by sex and age.

Anthelmintic activity of Azadirachta indica A. Juss against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes.

Gastrointestinal nematode control has been performed through use of anthelmintics. However, the development of resistant populations has required research into new alternatives. There are popular reports about anti-parasitic activity of Azadirachta indica in animals and plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of A. indica after feeding sheep with the dried leaves. In this experiment, 40 sheep were allotted into four treatment groups. Group I received a treatment of A. indica dry leaves mixed in a concentrate at a rate of 0.1 g/kg dose for 3 months. Group II was treated with double the dose of Group I. Group III was treated with closantel (Diantel) at the manufacturer-recommended dose once at the beginning of the study and Group IV was not treated. To compare treatment effects, the following parameters were evaluated: egg count per gram of feces (EPG), worm burden, weight gain and haematocrit. EPG and worm burden results were statistically evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Haematocrit and live weight gain were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means evaluated by Tukey's test with 95% probability. None of the evaluated parameters of the treatment groups were statistically different when compared to the control group, demonstrating that, with the protocol used, A. indica has no anthelmintic effect.