Contrasting response of haematological variables between long-term training and short exercise bouts in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

Physical aerobic activity is oxygen demanding, but - particularly for birds - there is still little understanding of how blood contributes to oxygen supply under various activity levels. In a two-factorial experimental design, we investigated the long-term effect of daily flight training and the immediate effect of a short exercise bout on a set of haematological variables: haemoglobin (Hb) content, haematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell number (RBCcount) and size (RBCarea) in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). For a period of 6 weeks, birds were either trained daily for 3 h in a flight arena or remained untrained. Subsequently, half of each group was blood sampled either in the resting condition or after a 5 min exercise bout in a flight-hover wheel. We found significantly lower Hb content, Hct and RBCcount compared with that in untrained controls in response to training, while RBCarea did not differ between treatments. Response to an exercise bout revealed the opposite pattern, with significantly higher Hb content and Hct compared with that in non-exercised birds. Additionally, RBCarea was significantly smaller immediately after exercise compared with that in non-exercised birds, and such short-term flexibility represents a novel finding for birds. This contrasting response in erythrocyte characteristics with respect to long-term training and short exercise bouts appears as a clear pattern, presumably underlain by changes in water balance. We infer alterations of blood flow to be involved in adequate oxygen supply. During an exercise bout, RBCarea flexibility may not only enhance oxygen delivery through improved erythrocyte surface area to volume ratio but also improve blood flow through a compensatory effect on blood viscosity.

Objective evaluation of analyzer performance based on a retrospective meta-analysis of instrument validation studies: point-of-care hematology analyzers.

BACKGROUND: Information on quality requirements and objective evaluation of performance of veterinary point-of-care analyzers (POCAs) is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed at assessing observed total errors (TEobs s) for veterinary hematology POCAs via meta-analysis and comparing TEobs to allowable total error (TEa ) specifications based on experts' opinions. METHODS: The TEobs for POCAs (impedance and laser-based) was calculated based on data from instrument validation studies published between 2006 and 2013 as follows: TEobs = 2 × CV [%] + bias [%]. The CV was taken from published studies; the bias was estimated from the regression equation at 2 different concentration levels of measurands. To fulfill quality requirements, TEobs should be < TEa . Measurands were considered as globally acceptable if > 60% of analyzers showed TEobs < TEa . RESULTS: Six studies evaluating 11 analyzers and 5 studies evaluating 5 analyzers were included for canine and feline hematology variables, respectively. For the CBC, TEobs was < 15% for canine and < 13% for feline measurands, except for HGB and platelet counts. Measurands of the CBC, excluding differential WBC and platelet counts, and HGB concentration were considered globally acceptable. For most of the cell types in the WBC differential count, TEobs was > TEa (data from 3 analyzers). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis is considered a pilot study. Experts' requirements (TEobs < TEa ) were fulfilled for most measurands except HGB (due to instrument-related bias for the ADVIA 2120) and platelet counts. Available data on the WBC differential count suggest an analytic bias, so nonstatistical quality control is recommended.

Toward laboratory blood test-comparable photometric assessments for anemia in veterinary hematology.

Anemia associated with intestinal parasites and malnutrition is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in small ruminants worldwide. Qualitative scoring of conjunctival redness has been developed so that farmers can gauge anemia in sheep and goats to identify animals that require treatment. For clinically relevant anemia diagnosis, complete blood count-comparable quantitative methods often rely on complicated and expensive optical instruments, requiring detailed spectral information of hemoglobin. We report experimental and numerical results for simple, yet reliable, noninvasive hemoglobin detection that can be correlated with laboratory-based blood hemoglobin testing for anemia diagnosis. In our pilot animal study using calves, we exploit the third eyelid (i.e., palpebral conjunctiva) as an effective sensing site. To further test spectrometer-free (or spectrometerless) hemoglobin assessments, we implement full spectral reconstruction from RGB data and partial least square regression. The unique combination of RGB-based spectral reconstruction and partial least square regression could potentially offer uncomplicated instrumentation and avoid the use of a spectrometer, which is vital for realizing a compact and inexpensive hematology device for quantitative anemia detection in the farm field.

Haematological reference for red-browed parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha, Salvadori, 1890) captive in the Atlantic Forest in Eastern Brazil / Parâmetros hematológicos de papagaios-chauá (Amazona rhodocorytha, Salvatori 1890) em cativeiro

To conduct the survey were used 35 (thirty-five) red-browned parrots (A. rhodocorytha), adults, captive, of both genders and clinically healthy, belonging to the live collection of the Museum of Biology Teacher Mello Leitao, located in Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Harvests were performed in the morning, by puncture of the brachial vein getting 0.5mL of blood stored in EDTA for a period no longer than 6 hours. Blood smears of fresh material were made at collection, stained using the method of May-Grunwald-Giemsa. Analysis of blood elements was done by cell counting in a mirrored Neubauer chamber using Natt and Herrick solution at a ratio of 2:200 as diluent. For the analysis of the methodology, homoglobinometry cyanide hemoglobin using commercial kits by colorimetry on a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer was used. After completion of the statistical data the following parameters were obtained (mean±standard deviation): Erythrocytes (x106/µl): 2.68±0.56; Hemoglobin (g/dl): 14.27±0.69; Hematocrit (%): 53±3.38; Mean corpuscular volume (fl): 206.7±45.82; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (pg): 56.4±14.46; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (%): 27.5±1.19; Thrombocytes (x3/µl): 25.8 ± 10.5; Total plasma protein (g/dl) 5.4±0.5; Leukocytes (x103/dl): 3.1±2; Heterophile (/uL): 1937±1676; Lymphocytes (/uL): 1144±599; Monocytes (/uL): 24.4 ± 28.2; Basophils (/uL): 42.2±46.2; Eosinophils (/uL): 11.7±19.9. In the relation between males and females, no significant differences were found in any hematological parameter evaluated.(AU)

Para a realização da presente pesquisa, foram utilizados 35 (trinta e cinco) papagaios-chauás (A. rhodocorytha), adultos, cativos, de ambos os sexos e clinicamente saudáveis, pertencentes ao acervo vivo do Museu de Biologia Professor Mello Leitão, localizado em Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas pela manhã, por meio da punção da veia braquial, obtendo-se 0,5mL de sangue, armazenado em EDTA por um período máximo de seis horas. Foram confeccionados esfregaços sanguíneos de material fresco no momento da coleta, posteriormente corados pelo método May-Grunwald-Giensa. A análise dos elementos sanguíneos foi feita por meio de contagem celular em câmara de Neubauer espelhada, utilizando-se como diluente a solução de Natt e Herrick na proporção de 2:200. Para a análise de hemoglobinometria, foi utilizada a metodologia do cianeto de hemoglobina, utilizando-se kits comerciais por colorimetria em um analisador bioquímico semiautomático. Depois de realizada a estatística dos dados, obtiveram-se os seguintes parâmetros (média±desvio-padrão): hemácias (x106/µL): 2,68±0,56; hemoglobina (g/dL): 14,27±0,69; hematócrito (%): 53±3,38; volume corpuscular médio (fL): 206,7±45,82; hemoglobina corpuscular média (pg): 56,4±14,46; concentração hemoglobina corpuscular média (%): 27,5±1,19; trombócitos (x3/µL): 25,8±10,5; proteína plasmática total (g/dL) 5,4±0,5; leucócitos (x103/dL): 3,1±2; heterófilos (/µL): 1937±1676; linfócitos (/µL): 1144±599; monócitos (/µL): 24,4±28,2; basófilos (/µL): 42,2±46,2; eosinófilos (/µL): 11,7±19,9. Na relação entre machos e fêmeas, não foi encontrada diferença estatística relevante em nenhum parâmetro hematológico avaliado.(AU)

A field study on feed supplementation, body weight and selected blood parameters in local pigs in Laos.

The aim of the present study was to investigate feed allowances, body weight (BW), haematocrit, haemoglobin, plasma ionised calcium (iCa), sodium, potassium, pH and glucose concentration and faecal K/Na ratio in local growing pigs, sows and piglets kept by small-holder farmers in Laos. Starting hypotheses were that (1) local pigs are under fed, (2) BW is higher in pigs receiving supplementary feed and (3) the blood profile of pigs subjected to very poor nutrition is outside the normal range. On 54 pig-keeping smallholdings in Borikhamxay province, Lao PDR, daily feed allowances were weighed and BW recorded for 27 lactating sows, 54 piglets and 27 growing pigs. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis in all pigs. Feed supplementation did not affect BW, but plasma iCa concentration was outside the normal range for all pigs. There was a tendency for lower faecal K/Na ratio in Na-supplemented sows. The results confirm that local pigs in small-scale production systems in Laos suffer from poor nutrition. The most important challenge for farmers appears to be provision of more feed, particularly feed with a high Ca content.

Interacting effects of water temperature and dietary protein level on hematological parameters in Nile tilapia juveniles, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and mortality under Streptococcus iniae infection.

Based on central composite rotatable experimental design and response surface method, the interacting effects of temperature (20 °C-34 °C) and dietary protein level (25%-50%) on hematological parameters including red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) of juvenile Oreochromis niloticus were studied under laboratory conditions. The experiment lasted for 7 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were challenged with Streptococcus iniae and mortality was recorded for within 8 days. Results showed that the linear and quadratic effects of temperature on RBC, WBC and Hb were highly significant (P < 0.01). When the dietary protein level was 25%-50%, the RBC, WBC and Hb were increased firstly and then decreased, but the linear and quadratic effects of protein level were insignificant (P > 0.05). The interacting effects of temperature and protein level on RBC and Hb were significant (P < 0.05). The regression equations of RBC, WBC and Hb toward the two factors of interest were established, with the coefficients of determination being 0.870, 0.836 and 0.881, respectively (P < 0.01). These equations could be used for prediction in practice. After the challenge, the mortalities for the combinations of 22.1 °C/28.7% and 20.0 °C/37.5% were significantly higher than 27.0 °C/37.5% (P < 0.05). The optimal temperature/dietary protein level combination was obtained at 27.9 °C/38.1% at which the lowest mortality (13.76%) was attained. This value was close to the optimal temperature/dietary protein level combination (29.4 °C/41.9%) for the greatest levels of RBC (2.560 × 10(6) µL(-1)), WBC (270.648 × 10(3) µL(-1)) and Hb (92.851 g L(-1)). The results of this study indicated that preferred temperature/dietary protein level combination might strengthen the non-specific immunity and reduce susceptibility to S. iniae.

Relationship of hemoglobin concentration to packed cell volume in avian blood samples.

To determine whether a proportional relationship exists between hemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and pack cell volume (PCV) in avian blood samples, Hgb concentration measured by a point-of-care portable hemoglobinometer and corresponding PCV were determined in blood samples collected from 128 birds comprising 13 avian orders. For all birds evaluated and pooled across orders, a significant and consistent relationship was found between Hgb concentration and PCV, expressed as Hgb = 0.304 x PCV + 0.461. To determine whether the relationship of PCV and Hgb differs, 9 avian orders with n > or = 8 samples per order were analyzed by linear regression. Individual slopes for the 9 orders did not differ significantly (P = .44), indicating that a single slope can be used to model the avian Hgb to PCV relationship for these taxonomic orders. A single intercept can also be used, with the exception of order Phoenicopteriformes, which was the only intercept that was significantly different from 0 (P = .01). These results indicate that a simplified relationship of Hgb (g/dL) = 0.30 x PCV provides a reasonable estimate of Hgb concentration from the PCV of birds from the orders Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Sphenisciformes, and Strigiformes, but a separate relationship of Hgb = 0.217 x PCV + 6.69 might be warranted for the order Phoenicopteriformes.

Evaluation of the i-STAT portable clinical analyzer in chickens (Gallus gallus).

The i-STAT portable clinical analyzer (PCA) was evaluated for performance in avian species. With the EG7+ cartridge, which provided results for hydrogen ion concentration, oxygen tension, carbon dioxide tension, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, hematocrit, and various calculated parameters, analytical accuracy and precision were tested by comparing obtained values to those of established traditional blood gas and chemistry analyzers. Deming's regression and bias plots were used to compare i-STAT results with those obtained by laboratory professionals using benchtop analyzers. The reliability of the i-STAT PCA with EG7+ cartridges was good, with 0-5.7% system failures in measured values. Regression statistics were good for all blood gas analytes and acceptable for electrolytes and calculated parameters, except for potassium and base excess, for which the regression data or the discrepancy between the methods was too large. The system was reliable and easy to use and had an overall acceptable accuracy in avian species. These features, together with portability and small required blood volumes, make the i-STAT suitable for point-of-care use in critical avian patients, although single values require careful interpretation.

Use of the ADVIA 120 for differentiating extracellular and intracellular hemoglobin.

BACKGROUND: The use of cell-free hemoglobin (Hgb) solutions, such as Oxyglobin (Biopure Corp, Cambridge, MA, USA), as a blood substitute for the treatment of acute anemias is increasing in veterinary medicine. These solutions interfere with colorimetric tests, which do not discriminate between cellular Hgb (Hgb-cell) from the patient and extracellular Hgb (Hgb-delta) from the Oxyglobin, and therefore make the monitoring of anemia, based on Hgb concentration, difficult. The ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer (Bayer Diagnostics, Tarrytown, NY, USA) evaluates Hgb by 2 methods, a standard cyanmethemoglobin colorimetric method and flow cytometry, and therefore might provide the means to differentiate extracellular and intracellular Hgb. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy and precision of the ADVIA 120 in differentiating extracellular from intracellular Hgb. METHODS: Anticoagulated whole blood samples from 10 healthy dogs were analyzed in triplicate on the ADVIA 120. Hgb-delta concentration was determined by adding Oxyglobin (13 g/dL) to the whole blood samples at dilutions of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32. Hgb-cell and Hgb-total values were calculated and compared with actual values by linear regression. Analyses were done in triplicate and repeated 9 consecutive times to evaluate intra-assay precision of Hgb-total and Hgb-cell determinations. RESULTS: Correlation between Hgb values obtained by colorimetric (Hb-total) and flow cytometric (Hgb-cell) methods on whole blood samples was high (R(2) = .99; n = 10) with a slope of 0.96 and intercept of 0. Correlation between actual and predicted Hgb-cell values also was high (R(2) = .99), with a small positive bias (0.289 +/- 0.185; n = 60). Intra-assay precisions were high, with most coefficients of variation <2%. CONCLUSION: The ADVIA 120 is capable of differentiating Hgb-cell from Hgb-delta. The flow cytometric method is accurate and precise when compared with the cyanmethemoglobin method. A small bias between the results is unlikely to be clinically significant but may affect the ability of the ADVIA to differentiate small quantities (<0.3 g/dL) of Hgb-delta.

Accuracy and precision of a point-of-care hemoglobinometer for measuring hemoglobin concentration and estimating packed cell volume in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine accuracy and precision of a point-of-care hemoglobinometer for measuring hemoglobin concentration and estimating PCV in horses. DESIGN: Prospective trial. ANIMALS: 55 horses. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were obtained from 43 horses examined at a veterinary teaching hospital. Hemoglobin concentration was measured with the hemoglobinometer and by means of the standard cyanmethemoglobin method; PCV was measured by centrifugation. Blood samples were also obtained from 12 healthy horses, and PCV of aliquots of these samples was altered to approximately 5 to 80% by removing or adding plasma. Hemoglobin concentration and PCV were then measured. RESULTS: For samples from the clinic patients, hemoglobin concentrations obtained with the hemoglobinometer were less than concentrations obtained with the cyanmethemoglobin method; however, there was a linear relationship between concentrations obtained with the 2 methods. Breed, sex, body weight, and duration of sample storage did not significantly affect the difference between hemoglobin concentrations obtained with the 2 methods. There was a significant linear relationship between PCV and hemoglobinometer hemoglobin concentration (PCV = [2.83 x hemoglobin concentration] - 0.62). For samples from the healthy horses, a substantial negative bias was evident with the hemoglobinometer when hemoglobin concentration exceeded 16 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that this hemoglobinometer is reasonably accurate and precise when used to measure hemoglobin concentration in blood samples from horses with a hemoglobin concentration < 16 g/dL.

[Some hematologic values of Peking ducks]. / Einige hämatologische Werte bei Peking-Enten.

This work has been done to investigate physiological values of some hematological parameters of peking ducks. For this purpose 20 healthy peking ducks have been studied. Total red (R.B.C.) and white (W.B.C.) blood cell counts by routine methods in Thoma hemocytometers after diluting with Natt-Herrick solution, packed cell volume (P.C.V. = Htc) by the microhematocrit centrifuge method, hemoglobin (Hb) by the cyanmethaemoglobin method were carried out. Blood films were stained by Pappenheim's method and the percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes was estimated on a differential count of 200 cells. The mean values have been found as follows: R.B.C. = 3,835 x 10(6)/mm3, W.B.C. = 15.950/mm3, Hb = 12 g%, P.C.V. = 36,15%, neutrophils = 62,10%, lymphocytes = 30,95%, basophils = 5,8%, eosinophils = 0,6% [corrected], monocytes = 0,6%.

Evaluation of an automated system for hemoglobin measurement in animals.

In veterinary medicine, PCV determined by centrifugation of blood in a microhematocrit tube is the most common clinical test used to initially assess and monitor anemic and polycythemic animals. In contrast, blood hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, rather than PCV, is generally determined in human patients. One automated system photometrically measures blood Hb concentration after conversion of Hb to azide methemoglobin without dilution and was found to be a simple and accurate instrument for use in human medicine. We evaluated the system for its accuracy in measuring blood Hb concentration in animals by comparing it with standard techniques and for its suitability in veterinary practice. Blood samples, anticoagulated with potassium EDTA, from 78 healthy animals (33 dogs, 17 cats, 13 horses, and 15 cows) and 58 dogs and 4 cats with various blood abnormalities (10 anemia, 11 polycythemia, 21 lipemia, 16 leukocytosis, and 6 icterus) were analyzed. In all species, blood Hb concentration of healthy animals determined by the system was comparable to that measured by standard cyanmethemoglobin methods (ie, an automated counter; rI = 0.987 to 0.998 and a hemoglobin kit, rI = 0.946 to 0.993). The aforementioned system also yielded similar values to those obtained by use of standard methods in anemic, polycythemic, and icteric dogs and cats. Moreover, the system reads the absorbance at 2 wavelengths to correct for turbidity, and therefore, accurately measured Hb concentration in blood samples with severe lipemia (triglycerides concentration > 500 mg/dl) and marked leukocytosis (> 50,000 WBC/microliter), whereas other standard Hb techniques are known to give falsely high results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the haemogram between three-year-old Thoroughbred stayers and sprinters.

Results of blood counts have been analysed in three-year-old racehorses in training comprising 77 colt stayers, 27 colt sprinters, 61 filly stayers and 35 filly sprinters. The distributions of haemoglobin, erythrocyte count and haematocrit were significantly higher in colt stayers compared to the other three groups. In fillies these values were also significantly higher in stayers compared to sprinters. The erythrocyte count was significantly higher in filly stayers compared to colt sprinters but there were no significant differences between haemoglobin or haematocrit values in these groups. No significant differences were found in the erythrogram between colt and filly sprinters. Absolute lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the two filly groups compared with the colts. Eosinophil counts were significantly higher in the stayer groups compared to the sprinters. The ranges of values observed, within each of the four groups, for haemoglobin, erythrocyte count and haematocrit were narrower than previously recorded.

Acid-base regulation during thermal panting in the fowl (Gallus domesticus): comparison between breeds.

1. The effects of high ambient temperatures on blood acid base status were studied in four breeds of fowl. 2. All breeds efficiently regulated body temperature below ambient temperature at 45 degrees C (Tb = 38.521 + 0.110Ta, at 25-45 degrees C). 3. A slight hypocapnia was partly compensated for by a decreased HCO3 concentration. This resulted in only a slight respiratory alkalosis at extreme temperatures (+0.021 and +0.042 pH units at 42 and 45 degrees C, respectively). 4. Changes in Paco2 were negatively correlated with tidal volume: Paco2 (torr) = 33.10390 - 1.17493 VT(ml); r = -0.925, P much less than 0.001. 5. The present findings are consistent with an hypothesis that modulation of tidal volume during thermal panting might play a major role in acid-base regulation.

[Blood picture of beagle dogs of Czechoslovak breeding]. / Krevní obraz psu beaglu z ceskoslovenského chouv

In this paper the individual values of the blood picture were determined in 60 dogs of the beagle breed of the age of one to two years, of the live weight of 15-18 kg, of Czechoslovak breeding, which were used for experimental purposes. It was found that in the examined group of dogs the different hematological parameters did not almost differ from the findings stated in various literary sources and that they corresponded fully to the standard values for dogs.