Hematological and clinicochemical values for free-ranging pronghorn fawns MORLEYW. BARRE-I-TI Fish trliti Wildlife Diri.riott, Alho.trr Dc,prrr+tr7lrr1tc!fRcc,rerrtior~,Ptrt.ks, trtlti Wildlifii, Lcthhridge. Altu.. Cnnndn TIJ4C7

AND

GORDON A . CHALMERS Veterinn~-\, Sr>rricesDirisiott, AIbcr~trrDeprrrttnoit ctfAgr~ic~rrltr~re, Lothbridgr, Alto., Cnnodtr

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Received January I I . 1979 . Hematological and clinicochemical values for BARRETT,M. W . , and G. A. C H A L M E R S1979. free-ranging pronghorn fawns. Can. J . Zool. 57: 1757- 1766. FI-om 1973 to 1975, inclusive, blood from 253 free-ranging pronghorn (Antilocrrpru cimericunn) neonates in southeastern Alberta was obtained for hematological and clinicochemical determinations. Mean erythl-ocyte, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values were 9.68 x 106/mm3, 39.7%. 14.6g/dL. and 21.5 mrn/24 h. respectively. Mean leukocyte number in fawns was 3.97 x I 0 3 / r n m h f which 62.9% were neutrophils. The high el'ythrocyte, hematoct-it, and hemoglobin values may be a significant adaptive characteristic of pronghorn fawns. Mean clinicochemical values for pronghorn neonates included the following: cqlcium 12.4 mg/dL, magnesium 2.2 mg/dL, phosphorus 10.0 mg/dL, sodium 145.2 mequiv./L, potassium 6.23 mequiv./L, cholesterol 67.4 mg/dL, glucose 203.5 mg/dL, and creatinine 2.37 mg/dL. With respect to serum enzymes. mean values for glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (EC 2.6.1. I), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2). creatine phosphokinase ( E C 2.7.3.2), and alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3. I) were 106.48 Reitman-Frankel units (R.F.u.)/mL. 2.0R.F.u.lmL. 40.08 International Units (IU)/dL. and 29.64 King-Armstrong units (K.A.u.)/mL, respectively. The mean blood urea nitrogen value was 21.32 mg/dL and total protein value was 4.78 g/dL; the mean albumin:globulin ]ratio was 1.01. Significant variation of blood values was associated with year of sampling. number of fawns per doe. and sex of fawns. Many blood values were correlated significantly with physical and physiological characteristics of fawns and with environmental temperature and wind speed. BARRETT.M. W.. et G. A. CHAI-MERS. 1979. Hematological and clinicochemical values folfi-ee-ranging PI-onghornfawns. Can. J . Zool. 57: 1757- 1766. De 1973 h 1975. des PI-elevementsde sang ont ete faits chez 253 antilopes neonates (Anriloctrprrr trniericcrnrr) en l i b e ~ t e .dans le sud-est de I'Albert;~. afin d'en faire I'analyse hematologique et clinicochimique. L e nombre moyen d'erythrocytes est de 9.68 x 106/mm3;I'hematocrite a une valeur moyenne d e 39.7%. le taux d'hemoglobine est de 14.6 g/dL et le taux de sedimentation des el-ythl-ocytes est d e 2 1.5 mm/24 h. Le nornbre moyen de leucocytes chez les faons est d e 3.97 x 103/mm dont 62.9% sont des neutrophiles. Les valeurs elevees du nornbre d'erythrocytes. de I'hematocl-ite et du taux d'hemoglobine chez les faons ont sans doute une valeur adaptative. Les valeurs clinicochimiques moyennes telles que c;~lculeeschez les neonates sont les suivantes: calcium 12.4 mg/dL. magnesium 2.2 mg/dL. phosphore 10.0 mg/dL. sodium 145.2 mequiv./L, potassium 6.23 mequiv./L, cholesterol 67.4 mg/dl.. glucose 203.5 mg/dL et creatinine 2.37 mgldL. Leb valeurs rnoyennes des enzymes seriques se lisent comme suit: glutamate-oxaloacetate-transaminnse ( E C 2.6.1.1 .). 106.48 unites Reitman-Frankel (R.F.u)/mL, glutamatepyruvate-tl-ansnminase (EC 2.6.1.2.) 2.0 R.F.u./mL, cl-eatine-phosphokinase (EC 2.7.3.2.) 40.08 unites intel-nationales (I.U.)/dL, phosphatase alcaline (EC 3.1.3.1.) 29.64 unites KingArmstrong (K.A.u.)/mL. 1.a valeur moyenne de I'azote ureique du sang est de 21.32mgldL et la valeul- totale des proteines est de 4.78g/dL; le rapport moyen albumine: globuline est d e 1.01. Les valeur-s des paramktres du sang varient significativement selon I'annee d'echantillonnage, le nombre de faons par femelle et le sexe des faons. Plusieurs des paramktres sanguins sont relies significativement aux caracteristiques physiques et physiologiques des faons ainsi qu'8 la temperature du milieu et h la vitesse du vent. [Traduit par le journal]

Introduction Extensive hematological and blood chemical for near]y al] indigenvalues have been ous North American ungulates. any researchers 'Present address: Wildlife Biology Section. Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville. Alta.. Canada TOB 4L0.

and wildlife managers are hopeful that such studies will provide a greater understanding of the relationShip of environmental pressures and physiological condition of animals (Anderson et al. 1970; Franzmann 1972; Le Resche et a / . 1974; Seal et a / . 1975). Despite the degree of research activity concern-

0008-430 1/79/09 1757-10$0 1 .00/0 0 1 9 7 9 National Research Council of Canada/Conseil national d e recherches du Canada

C A N . J. ZOOL. VOL. 57. 1979

TABLE 1. Summary of characteristics of blood-sampled fawns and relevant environmental conditions at the time of their capture Variable

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Age, days Weight, kg Pulse, beatslmin Respiration, respirations/min Rectal temperature, "C Ambient temperature, "C Wind Speed, km/h

n

Mean

SD

Minimum

246 253 235 23 1 252 250 234

2.70 4.15 166.90 52.20 39.65 16.60 23.20

1.5 1 .O 54.5 20.7 1 .O 5.2 13.4

0.20 1.82 60.00 18.00 37.10 3.30 0.00

ing blood values of wild ungulates, little information has been published for neonates. Some data are available for fawns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus uirginiunus) (Youatt et al. 1965; Johnson c.t trl. 1968; Tumbleson ct (11. 1970; White and Cook 1974; Hartsook et (11. 1975) and blacktailed deer ( 0 . hemionus columbianus) (Kitts cJt al. 1956; Bandy et 01. 1957; Cowan and Bandy 1969). McEwan and Whitehead (1969) have described some characteristics of the blood of caribou (Rungijkr tarandus groenlandicus) and reindeer (Rtrng$er sp.) calves. Few or no details concerning the blood analysis of neonates for the remaining indigenous ungulates have been published. Until recently, little had been published on blood values for pronghorns (Antiloccrpr-(1 crmeric.crnrr). Dhindsa and co-workers (Dhindsa et (11. 1974; Dhindsa et al. 1975) presented some hematological values, oxygen dissociation curves, and blood chemical values for four captive pronghorns in Wyoming. Some preliminary findings for blood analysis of pronghorns in Alberta and Idaho were presented at the 1976 Antelope States Workshop in Idaho (Barrett and Chalmers 1976; Trout 1976). Subsequently, Barrett and Chalmers (1977u, 1977b) presented hematological and clinicochemical values, respectively. for adult free-ranging pronghorns in Alberta. Seal and Hoskinson (1978), using samples from the same animals that Trout (1976) reported on, presented additional blood analyses for adult pronghorns in Idaho. To date, however, neither hematological nor clinicochemical values for neonatal pronghorns has been published. Researchers investigating the mortality factors and population dynamics of pronghorn populations have become aware of the characteristically high mortality among fawns and as a consequence have recognized the need for more research on this age class. In Alberta an opportunity to obtain blood from wild, pronghorn neonates arose during an investigation into the behaviour of fawns. The principal purpose of this paper is to present the first hematological and clinicochemical profile for

Maximum 10.00 9.10 336.00 142.00 41.33 26.90 64.70

neonatal pronghorns. We were interested also in identifying the presence of any physiological adaptations that might be evident from blood analyses of pronghorn neonates. Factors causing significant variation in blood parameters are also presented. Materials and Methods Stlrciy AI.~'N trnd Coplure Method Pronghorn neonates sampled during this study ranged freely over an area of approximately 7000 km2 in the southeast corner of Alberta. Approximately 80% of the vegetation within the study block consisted of native mixed-grass prairie, interspersed with tracts of silver sage (Artemisin cnno) in lowlands. Much of the remaining 20% of the area was seeded to cereal grains or to tame pasture. The elevation within the pronghorn range is less than 1200m and the physiography is flat to gently undulating. Mitchell and Smoliak (1971) have described some of the range characteristics and food habits of mature pronghorns in the area. Some characteristics of habitat utilization by pronghorn neonates within the study area have been described by Barrett (1978~1). More than 250 pronghorn neonates were captured between 20 May and 3 June. 1973 to 1975. inclusive. Most fawns were located after an intensive ground search emanating from the initial location of a parental doe. A long-handled net was used to capture all but 17 of the neonates before they could move from their bedsites. The 17 fawns were captured after a short but nonintensive pursuit; these occasions usually arose when one fawn fled during the capture of its sibling. Additional details concerning methodology used in the capture of fawns have been reported by Barrett (19786). Details concerning characteristics of captured fawns and some relevant environmental conditions at the time of their capture are presented (Table 1). Age offawns was approximated by their size, behaviour, appearance of the hair coat, and condition of the umbilicus. A rectal thermometer and stethoscope were used to determine the rectal temperature, and heart and respiratory rates, respectively. These determinations were initiated approximately 2 min after the fawns wel-e captured when all signs of struggle had subsided. Before each fawn was released i t was placed in a burlap bag for weighing. The ambient temperature and wind speed were determined at each capture site, using hand-held instruments. Blootl Sompling cmtl Antrlvses Fawns were restrained by hand and blood samples were drawn by jugular venipuncture into 10-mL Vacutainer (Becton, Dickinson and Co., Canada Ltd., Mississauga, Ont.) vials. For hematological determinations the vials contained potassium ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA-K) and samples for clinicochemical determinations were drawn into vials contain-

BARRETT A N D CHALMERS

TABLE 2. Statistical description of 20 hematological variables for neonatal pronghorns Coefficient of

no

Mean

SE of mean

Erythrocytic series Erythrocytes, 106/mm3 Hematocrit, % Hemoglobin, g/dL MCH, pg McHc, % MCV, f L ESR (1 h), mm ESR (24 h), mm E-Fragil (min.), % saline E-Fvagil (max), % saline

122 110 116 120 150 120 48 48 56 56

9.68 39.70 14.56 15.12 37.12 41.25 1.90 21.50 0.76 0.38

0.09 0.38 0.16 0.14 0.37 0.39 0.31 1.94 0.006 0.004

0.27 0.66 0.75 1.12 3.35 1.40 6.11 -1.40 -1.57 -0.39

0.39 0.48 -0.40 -0.51 0.20 0.04 2.07 -0.01 -0.70 0.19

7.56 30.90 9.50 9.73 23.98 26.76 0.00 2.00 0.70 0.32

13.08 54.00 19.50 19.38 57.12 53.33 11.00 49.00 0.80 0.46

Leukocytic series Leukocytes, 103/mm3 Hematocrit, % Neutrophils, % Segmented, % Bands, % Lymphocytes, % Monocytes, % Eosinophils, % Basophils, % Neutrophil:lyrnphocyte ratio

122 37 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120

3.97 0.65 62.90 59.90 3.00 33.90 0.80 1.80 0.40 2.55

0.17 0.04 1.32 1.33 0.24 1.30 0.12 0.19 0.09 0.19

0.13 -1.18 -0.12 -0.19 1.64 -0.15 5.06 6.20 12.82 13.43

0.68 0.20 -0.51 -0.40 1.09 0.48 2.14 2.10 3.37 2.97

1.09 0.15 22.00 22.00 0.00 6.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31

9.10 1.00 91.00 91.00 14.00 75.00 7.00 12.00 6.00 15.17

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Variable

Kurtosis

Skewness

Minimum

Maximum

'Comprised of samples from male and female pronghorns.

ing no anticoagulant. In many cases. because of the small size of transaminase (SGOT; EC 2.6.1. I ) , serum glutamic-pyruvic the fawns. only one vial per animal was drawn. tlxnsaminase (SGPT; EC 2.6.1.2). serum creatine phosSamples for hematological examination were delivered daily phokinase (SCPK; EC 2.7.3.2). alkaline phosphatase to the central laboratory at Lethbridge. Slides for differential (EC 3.1.3.1). cholesterol. glucose. creatinine. blood urea nitrowhite cell counts were prepared shortly after blood sampling; gen (BUN). total protein. and serum protein fractionation. the remaining procedures were begun within the ensuing 12 to 15 h. The methodology used to determine total erythrocyte and SrurisriccrlTrrtrrmenr Data were analyzed by an Amdahl 470 V/6computerusingthe leukocyte numbers. differential white cell counts. hemoglobin. hematocrit, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values SPSS statistical package (Nie 6.1 01. 1975). The significance was the same as that reported for the determinationof blood between the observed blood values of pronghorns pursued or values for adult pronghorns (Barrettand Chalmers 1977a),The not pursued. males versus females, singles versus twins. neoleukocyte hematocrit was determined for 37 fawns using the natewersus adults, and years of sampling was investigated microhematocritmethod (Schalm 1975)and measuring the using a one way analysis of variance. Correlation analysis was conducted for several variables. The statistical analyses asportionofthecolumnc o n t a ~ n i n g o n l y leukocytes,The minimum maximum erythrocyte fragility (E-fiagi/) rates were ob- sumed that the data for each variable were normally distributed, tained by adding 0.02 mL (20 ,,L) of whole blood to decreasing that there was uniformity of variance between groups being N ~ concentrations C ~ as described by schalm (1975). ~ 1 1 tested. and that each observation was independent. The hematological determinations were made in duplicate and the minimum level for statistical significance was P < 0.05. two values were averaged. Results The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular vol- Description of Hsmatological und Clinicochemical ume (MCV) were calculated from the following formulae VCI Ill es (Schalm rr a/. 1975): Basic statistical descriptions of 20 hematological

hemoglobin (g/dL) x 100, and MCHC = hematocrit (9%) hematocrit (%) x 10 MCV = erythrocytes/mm3 . Blood samples for clinicochemical determinations were allowed to clot and were then centrifuged for 15 min. The serum was harvested and stored at - 15°C until analyzed. Barrett and Chalmers (19776) have reported previously the methodology for the following chemical determinations: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus. sodium, potassium, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic

variables are presented in Table 2. The generally low standard error of the mean for most variables indicated relatively consistent findings although substantial minimum to maximum variation often existed. Within the erythrocytic series, the ESR values reflected the greatest variation, whereas the erythrocyte fragility values were the least variable. ESR ( I h ) values had comparatively high coefficients of kurtosis and skewness. There was no evidence of sickling of pronghorn erythrocytes. Results for the leukocytic series indicated that

1760

C A N . J. ZOOL. VOL. 57. 1979

TABLE 3. Statistical description of 19 clinicochemical variables for neonatal pronghorns Coefficient of

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Variable Calcium, mg/dL Magnesium, mg/dL Phosphorus, mg/dL Sodium, mequiv./L Potassium, mequiv./L SGOT, R.F.u./rnL SGPT, R.F.u./mL SCPK, IU/dL Alkaline phosphatase, K.A.u./mL Cholesterol, mg/dL Glucose, mg/dL Creatinine, mg/dL BUN, mg/dL Total protein, g/dL Albumin, g/dL Alpha globulin, g/dL Beta globulin, g/dL Gamma globulin, g/dL Albumin: globulin ratio

na

Mean

SE of mean

85 85 83 85 85 92 36 21 74 89 60 II 63 46 46 46 46 46 46

12.39 2.20 10.02 145.21 6.23 106.48 2.00 40.08 29.64 67.40 203.50 2.37 21.32 4.78 2.36 0.59 0.70 1.13 1.01

0.15 0.03 0.23 1.53 0.09 9.87 0.17 3.38 2.32 3.58 11.27 0.85 1.33 0.08 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.07 0.04

Kurtosis

Skewness

Minimum

Maximum

1.20 2.18 0.89 2.36 0.22 2.48 -0.46 -0.31 1.Ol 0.40 0.93 0.16 5.78 -0.47 -0.67 I .56 0.31 0.43 2.05

0.23 -0.48 0.99 -1.47 0.53 1.47 0.80 0.22 1.14 0.30 0.59 1.10 1.89 -0.03 0.48 1.08 0.36 0.58 0.94

8.00 1.19 6.50 89.60 4.76 9.00 1 .OO 11.10 6.11 6.00 27.50 0.14 8.20 3.60 1.81 0.43 0.38 0.23 0.64

16.60 2.90 16.50 160.89 8.57 470.00 4.00 71.70 88.20 165.00 444.00 8.27 68. 50 6.00 3.12 0.92 1.07 2.42 1.81

"Comprised of samples from male and female pronghorns.

TABLE 4. Blood variables for pronghorn neonates showing significant differences between males and females Males Variable MCHC, % Leukocytes, I03/mm3 No. neutrophils, 103/mm3 No. segmented neutrophils, 103/mm3 Sodium, mequiv./L Cholesterol, mg/dL Albumin, g/dL Alpha globulin, g/dL Alburnin:globulin ratio

Females

II

Mean

SD

tr

91 75 34 34 47 47 24 24 24

36.34 3.65 2.42 2.29 147.85 60.53 2.29 0.62 0.93

4.14 1.68 1.25 1.22 11.84 29.15 0.25 0.12 0.18

59 47 29 29 36 41 21 21 21

Mean 38.34* 4.48* 3.28 * 3.13* 141.51 * 75.51* 2.49* 0.55 * 1.10*

SD 4.76 2.02 1.68 1.65 16.45 37.49 0.40 0.08 0.26

'Significantly (P < 0.05) different from mean for males.

pronghorn fawns had a predominance of neutrophils; few immature or band neutrophils were encountered (Table 2). A minimum neutrophi1:lymphocyte ratio of 0.31 indicated that a small number of fawns had a preponderance of circulating lymphocytes. High coefficients of kurtosis and skewness were calculated for the percentage of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils but leukocytes of these types occurred only sporadically with the most consistent value being zero for a 100 cell scan. Basic statistical description of 19 clinicochemical variables is presented in Table 3. Extensive variation in the range of observed values was typical for most variables but was most pronounced for the enzymes SGOT, SCPK, and alkaline phosphatase and for cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, and BUN

values. BUN values had a coefficient of kurtosis of 5.8 but no other variables had notably large coefficients of kurtosis or skewness.

Sex Vrrriation Nine blood variables for pronghorn fawns showed significant sex-specific variation (Table 4). With respect to hematological variables, females had significantly larger values for MCHC, leukocytes, and number of segmented and total neutrophils than did males. Similarly, females had higher values of cholesterol and albumin and a higher albumin:globulin ratio than did males. Males had significantly higher sodium and alpha globulin values than did females. Yeur to Year Vuriation Four hematological and six clinicochemical vari-

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R A K K E T T A N D CHALMERS

TABLE 5. Blood variables for pronghorn neonates showing significant differences between years

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1973

1974

1975

Variable

n

Mean

SD

II

Mean

SD

11

Leukocytes, 103/mm3 MCV, f L Band neutrophils, % Basophils, % Sodium, mequiv./L Phosphorus, mg/dL BUN, mg/dL SGOT, R.F.u./mL Alkaline phosphatase K.A.u./mL Glucose, mg/dL

85 83 76 76 46 46 24 55 39 23

4.40 40.80 2.43 0.58 136.85 8.89 15.48 158.27 43.14 137.51

1.85 4.50 2.40 1.20 14.21 1.58 5.57 88.05 17.27 53.98

37 37 44 44 20 18 20 20 18 18

2.98** 42.82* 4.14** 0.07* 156.85** 11.76** 23.89** 21.65** 14.23** 236.05**

1.47 3.23 2.80 0.26 2.71 1.36 9.90 12.70 5.45 50.41

-

17 17 16 16 17 16

Mean

-

153.58** 10.53**" 26.73** 30.25** 14.98** 242.06**

SD -

-

5.01 1.44 13.92 17.33 11.85 69.90

"Significantly(P c 0.01) different from mean for 1974. 'Significantly (P < 0.05) different from mean for 1973. **Sign~ficantly(P < 0.01) different from mean for 1973.

TABLE6. Blood variables for pronghorn neonates showing significant differences between single and twin fawns Singles

Twins

Variable

n

Mean

SD

n

Mean

SD

ESR ( 1 h), rnm ESR (24 h), mm Eosinophils, % No. eosinophils, 103/mm3 Alkaline phosphatase, K.A.u./mL Glucose, mg/dL

24 24 49 32 39 28

1.13 17.04 2.41 0.13 34.55 228.13

1.21 12.72 2.57 0.15 22.07 92.67

24 24 71 31 35 32

2.67** 25.96* 1.41** 0.06** 24.16* 181.98*

2.56 12.90 1.55 0.07 15.91 77.48

*Significantly (P < 0.05) different from mean for singles. **Significantly (P < 0.01) different from mean for singles.

ables showed significant variation between years (Table 5 ) . Within the hematological variables the low mean total leukocyte value for 1974 was most notable. In general, values of the chemical variables for 1974 and 1975 were similar but significantly different from those for 1973 (Table 5). Mean phosphorus values, however, were different in all 3 years. Vlrriation Between Single and Twin Fa~r!ns Results for only six variables reflected significant variation between single and twin fawns (Table 6). The ESR values were largest and the number and proportion of eosinophils smallest in twins. AIkaline phosphatase and glucose values were significantly higher in single fawns than in twins. Vl~riarionin Reltr tion to Fmvn Chrrrcrctrr.istic.s crnd Environmentcrl Conditions A correlation matrix calculated for the variables shown on Tables 2 and 3 indicated many statistically significant ( P < 0.05) relationships. Fawn age and weight were closely correlated (r = 0.7 1 , P < 0.01) and both variables had significant positive correlations with leukocyte, l ymphocyte, eosinophil, SGOT, total protein, albumin, and beta

globulin values. Age and weight of fawns were negatively correlated with neutrophil and BUN values. Sodium values were negatively correlated with wind speed (r = -0.46), ambient temperature (r- = -0.41). rectal temperature (r- = -0.24), and respiration rate (r- = -0.26). Alpha globulin values were significantly correlated with wind speed (1. = 0.55). ambient temperature (r = -0.43). and rectal temperature (1. = -0.37). Phosphorus values were negatively correlated with wind speed (r- = -0.42), whereas albumin values were positively correlated with heart rate (r = 0.46) and rectal temperature (r = 0.37). Ambient temperature was positively correlated with minimum ( r = 0.29) and maximum (r- = 0.30) erythrocyte fragility values. Rectal temperature of fawns was also positively correlated with values of the enzymes SGOT (r = 0.25) and alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.32). Rectal temperature was significantly correlated with ambient temperature (r = 0.43). Vtrriation Between Pursued and Nonpursued F a Ions There were 17 instances in which fawns were frightened from their initial bedsite and sub-

1762

CAN. J . ZOOL. VOL. 57, 1979

D

BOVINE SERUM-ADULT FEMALE Totol protein 8.1 gldL

,"

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Rel.x g l d Albumin 42.3 3.4 Alpha globulin 19.0 1.5 Beta globulin 14.0 1.1 Gamma globulin 24.7 2.1 A l b ~ m i n I ~ l o b u l iratio= n 0.72

/ K

J

2

PRONGHORN SERUM- FAWN FEMALE T O ~ O Iprotein 5.1 gldL

w

SIU

Albumin 54.5 2.8 Alpha globulin 9.9 .5 Beta globulin 13.6 .7 Gommo globulin 22.0 1.1 Albuminlglobulin rotio= 1.22

FIG. 1. Serum electrophoretic patterns for a normal, female, control bovid and for a representative, 2-day-old female pronghorn. Both electrophoretograms were obtained from the same run.

sequently captured after they had fled for some distance before rebedding. Attempts to pursue animals that fled their bedsites were neither intensive nor prolonged. There were no significant differences in blood values of fawns captured in their initial bedsites compared with those values for the 17 animals that fled. This group of 17 fawns had significantly higher rectal temperatures (Tb = 40.15"C) than did the stationary group (Tb = 39.54"C). Fawns that fled tended to be slightly older and heavier than those that remained bedded. Serum Protein Electrophoresis Protein fractionation of serum was determined by starch gel electrophoresis. Figure 1 compares electrophoretograms of a representative 2-day-old, female, pronghorn fawn and a mature, female, domestic bovid. Characteristically, albumin represented approximately 50% of the total serum protein of pronghorn fawns; the gamma globulin component was the next most abundant protein. In most cases there was no clear distinction within the alpha or gamma globulin components of serum in neonates but in approximately 30% of the electrophoretograms a slight separation indicative of

alpha-l and alpha-2 peaks was evident. The interpretation of electrophoretograms indicated in Fig. 1 was used consistently to distinguish between the various globulin components presented in this paper. Discussion Sources of Variation Nearly all pronghorn fawns were located in their bedsites and little activity by the neonates preceded their capture. Despite all attempts by project personnel to maintain calmness in fawns, many animals became highly excited when first captured. Most fawns, and in particular the very young, became calm after being held in a supine position for a few moments. Their initial response to capture, however, often included intense struggling and frequent vocalization. Because of the rapid release of catecholamines in animals under conditions of stress (McDonald 1975), it is highly probable that these activities affected some of the blood values reported in this paper. Considerable documentation exists on the effects of handling stress on physiological values of wild ungulates. Increased rectal temperature, serum glucose, cholesterol, and SGOT values were reported for stressed bighorn sheep (Otis canadensis) (Franzmann and Thorne 1970; Franzmann 1971, 1972). Thorne (1975) noted that induced stress resulted in marked increases in the body temperature of adult pronghorns. Vaughn et al. (1973) have also reported dissimilarities in blood chemical data between captive and wild elk (Cerus canadensis). Handling stress has been shown to cause an increase in the concentration of corticosteroids in the blood of moose (Alcrs alces) (Franzmann et 01. 1975). Such physical and emotional stress has been known to produce leukocytosis, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, and increased serum glucose values (Schalm 1962; McDonald 1975; Schalm et ul. 1975). In some species, excitement and physical stress can result in splenic contraction with the consequent liberation of a mass of erythrocytes into the peripheral circulatory system (Schalm e t al. 1975). The effect of stress on the physiological values for neonates mav be of lesser ma~mitudethan for adult pronghorns (Barrett and Uhal mers 1977~. 1977h). There was very limited physical activity associated with the capture of fawns and in many cases the neonares discontinued overt signs of struggle shortly after their capture. The reduced noise level and the absence of other excited animals, which were present during the capture of adult pronghorns, and the short duration of captiv-

RARRETT A N D CHALMERS

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ity prior to blood sampling helped minimize stress for neonates. The decreased rectal temperature, serum glucose, SGOT, and SCPK values for fawns compared with those of adult pronghorns tended to support the contention that there was less stress on neonates than on adults; similarly, serum cortisol values were higher in adults (M. W. Barrett, unpublished data). These chemical values, however, were much higher in wild fawns than in hand-reared pronghorns (Chalmers and Barrett 1977). findings that further suggest that psychological and physical stress, however minimal, was an important contributing factor in the alteration of some blood values of captured fawns. The mean pulse of 166.9 beats per minute is probably representative of the normal tachycardia of excitement. Sinus arrhythmia, a normal phasic irregularity of pulse that coincides with the respiratory cycle in some domestic animals (Blood and Henderson 1974), was a common finding during auscultation of the heart of many pronghorn fawns. Many factors have been known to affect the observed blood values for wildlife. Numerous studies with wild ungulates have shown blood variation associated with sex or age of animals and year of sampling, but few have related the findings to environmental conditions. In our study there were significant statistical relationships associated with year of sampling, age and weight of fawns, number of siblings, and ambient temperature and wind speed. Similar1y, Anderson er al. (1970) reported significant variations for hematological values for mule deer (0.hemionus) associated with year and season of sampling, mean wind speed, vapour pressure deficit, and ambient temperature. The significant correlations between meteorological values and some blood variables were difficult to interpret, particularly as some correlations may be statistically but not biologically significant. Some relationships, however, may reflect physiological adaptations of neonatal pronghorns. The reduction of serum sodium values with increasing ambient temperature and wind speed is a case in point. Reduced sodium concentration in the vascular system may be, in part, a compensatory mechanism to maintain the serum osmolality (Tasker 1971). This interpretation seems plausible in view of the fact that pronghorn neonates tend to be hyperglycemic, a state which contributes to increased serum osmolality (Tasker 1971). Furthermore, there was no evidence of hemodilution based on the relative serum protein, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values. The tendency towards hyponatremia on warm, windy days may also reflect sodium loss through sweating. The positive correlation

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between increased ambient temperature and increased minimum and maximum erythrocyte fragility findings, however, further suggests that there tends to be an increase in the osmotic pressure in the extracellular fluid on warm days. The contention of Phelps (1978) that Sonoran pronghorns in Arizona may survive for several months each year without drinking free water underscores the suggestion that this species may have a highly adaptive mechanism for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. Hematocrit values have been shown to reflect condition in bighorn sheep (Franzmann 1972) and moose (Franzmann 1977). Several authors have indicated that a favourable protein intake by wild ungulates is indicated by a high BUN value (Franzmann 1972; Le Resche (11. 1974; Barrett and Chalmers 1977b). Bandy et 01. (1957) reported that black-tailed deer maintained on a high plane of nutrition had increased blood glucose values. The comparatively high hematocrit, glucose, and BUN values for pronghorn neonates in Alberta suggest that these animals received a favourable nutritional regime. Elevated hematocrit and glucose values, however. may also reflect the influence of acute stress. Comparison with Adult Pronghorns During this study there was a unique opportunity to compare values for neonatal and adult pronghorns from the same range. The methodology used to collect, handle, and analyze blood samples in this study was identical to that described previously to analyze blood of adult pronghorns (Barrett and Chalmers 1977cr, 1977h). Data from both studies were entered in the same computer file and compared. The mean values for rectal temperature and 24 blood variables for neonates were significantly different from those for adults (Table 7). Despite statistically significant differences between various blood values for fawns versus adults, some caution should be exercised in the interpretation of these differences. For example, neonatal animals have a higher percentage of body water than do adults of the same species (Houpt 1970; Macfarlane 1976), a fact which may explain the basis for many of the lower values for variables for fawns (Table 7). Most values within the erythrocytic series were higher for adults than for fawns with the exception of the mean MCHC and ESR findings. Total leukocyte values were higher in adults but immature or band neutrophils and monocytes were higher in fawns. Calcium, phosphorus, and cholesterol values were higher in neonates than in adults; conversely,

CAN. J. ZOOL. VOL. 57. 1979

TABLE 7. Blood variables for pronghorns showing significant differences between neonates and adults Fawns n

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Variable

Mean

Adultsa SD

Mean

n

SD

Rectal temperature, "C Erythrocytes, IO6/mm3 Hematocrit, 2 Hemoglobin, g/dL MCH, pg MCHC, % MCV, f L ESR (1 h), mm ESR (24 h), mm Leukocytes, 103/mm3 Band neutrophils, % Monocytes, % Calcium, mg/dL Magnesium, mg/dL Phosphorus, mg/dL Sodium, mequiv./L Potassium, mequiv./L SGPT, R.F.u./mL Alkaline phosphatase, K.A.u./mL SCPK, IU/dL Cholesterol, mg/dL Glucose, mg/dL BUN, rng/dL Total protein, g/dL Albumin, g/dL "ata from Barrett and Chalmers 1977a, 19776. 'Significantly ( P c 0.05) different than mean for adults. "Significantly (P < 0.01) different than mean for adults.

TABLE 8. Comparison of principal hematological variables (means) for neonatal pronghorns, white-tailed deer, and black-tailed deer

Species

na

Age, days

Erythrocytes, Hematocrit, 106/mm3 %

Hemoglobin, Leukocytes, g/dL 103/mm3

Source --

Pronghorns White-tailed deer

Black-tailed deer

110 2 5 7b 31 26'

1-10

9.7

40.4

14.6

4.0

This study

3 1-14 7 1-14 2-21

7.0 7.8 7 6.9 5.5

28.0 30.9 28.0 29.1 33.8

7.8 8.4 8.0 10.1 10.3

-

Youatt et al. 1965 Johnson et al. 1968 Tumbleson el a / . 1970 White and Cook 1974

3.5 2.4 3.6 5.0

Cowan and Bandy 1969

OMinimum number of animals sampled for each variable. bValues taken from graphs. gical valucs noted Tor pronghurn.; in comparison with deer (Table 8) may reflect a significant physiological adaptation of neonatal pronghorns. These blood values, together with the large-diameter trachea and other anatomical structures characteristic of the species. appear to contribute to the highly precocial nature of pronghorn neonates. Our findings relative to physiological adaptations are consistent with the anatonomical data of Bullock (1971), who reported that pronghorns in general and fawns in particular, exhibited a high degree of cursorial adaptation as revealed by skeletal proportions. Only limited blood chemical data for neonates of indigenous ungulates are available for comparison with findings for pronghorn fawns. The mean blood glucose value for neck-shot juvenile white-tailed deer in Texas was reported as 45 to 175 mgldL (Hoff and Trainer 1975). Mean blood glucose value for white-tailed deer fawns was reported as 119.7 mg/dL in Michigan (Johnson ct a / . 1968) and approximately 122 mgJdL Tor seven captive fiiwns in Missouri (Tumbleson pr ol. 1970). Randy iJr (11. (1957) reported a mean blood glucose value of 90.2 m d d L for black-tailed deer fawns I0 davs of age. T < glucusP ~ ~ values ~ reported for the hlD& of deer a1.e suhsrantiz,l]y lower [ban findings for pronghorn IIeOnateS in Alberta. Increased blood glucose values have been f ~ ~ u nfor d cantive black&led deer fawns mainlained on a hiih plane of nlllrition (Bandy C>T crl. 1957). Yor~attpt a / . ( 1965). however. reported n o correla~iunbetween the prepartllm diet of white-tailed deer and the blood cornposition of fawns.

Serum protein values of 5.4, 5.1, and 5.0-6.2 mg/dL for- white-tailed deer fawns have been reported from Michigan (fawn age, 1-7 days) (Johnson et a / . 1968). Missouri (fawn age, 1 day) (Tumbleson et rrl. 1970). and Pennsylvania (fawn age,"< 2 days) (Hartsook ct cil. 1975). respectively. These values exceed the mean serum protein value for pronghorn fawns in our study. Similarly, Bandy et a / . (1957) reported a high serum protein value of 7.08 mg/dL for captive black-tailed deer. The mean albumin:globulin ratio of 1.01 for pronghorn fawns was considerably higher than comparative values for deer fawns (Bandy st (11. 1957; Tumbleson et 01. 1970; Hartsook e t a / . 1975). Acknowledgements The technical assistance of J. Clark, L. Gudmundson, E. Hofman. S. Marshall, H. Vriend, and L. Windberg of the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division in Lethbridge in capturing and sampling pronghorns is greatly appreciated. We thank Drs. G. Searcy and J. Bellamy of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, and Mrs. K. Strausz and Dr. J. Roff of the Toxicology Laboratory, Veterinary Services Division, Edmonton, for their assistance in providing clinicochemical analyses. Drs. R. Bide and P. Stockdale and Mrs. M. Moore, Canada Department of Agriculture, Health of Animals Branch, Lethbridge, provided laboratory equipment and assistance with hematological determinations. J. Chenier, Computing Services Department, University of Alberta, provided assistance with statistical analyses. , D. C. BOWDEN.1970. ANDERSON. A. E., D. E. M E D I Nand Erythrocytes and leukocytes in a Colorado mule deer population. J . Wildl. Manage. 34: 389-406. BANDY. P. J.. W. D. KITTS.A. J . WOOD.and I. McT. COWAN. 1957. The effect of age and the plane of nutrition on the blood chemistry of the Columbian black-tailed deer (0docoileu.s hetniotilis c.olu~nbiunus).B. Blood glucose, non-protein nitrogen, total plasma protein. plasma albumin. globulin, and fibrinogen. Can. J . Zool. 35: 283-289. BARRETT, M. W. 1978cr. Pronghorn fawn mortality in Alberta. Proc. 8th Antelope States Workshop, Jasper, Alta. pp. 429-443. 1978h. A technique for capturing pronghorn (Antiloc~crnrutrrnrric.unu Or-d) fawns in Alberta. Alberta Deuartment kecreation, Parks and Wildlife. Management Report. B A R R ~ ~M. T , W., and G . A . C H A L M E R S1976. . Baseline hematologic and clinical chemistry values for pronghorns. Proc, 7th Antelope States workshop, Twin Falls, ID. pp. 104-1 17. . - 19770. Hematological values for adult free-ranging pronghorns. Can. J . Zool. 55: 448-455. 1977h. Clinicochemical values for adult free-ranging Can, Zool, 55: 1252-,260, BLOOD, D. c., and J . A . H ~ 1974. Veterinary ~ medicine. 4th ed. Bailliere Tindall. London, England. ~

J ,

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C A N . J . ZOOL. VOL. 57, 1979

BUI.LOC K . R. E. 1971. A functional analysis of locomotion in the F R A N Z M A N1974. N . A review of blood chemistry of moose pronghorn antelope. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Alberta. and other Cervidae, with emphasis on nutritional assessment. Edmonton. Nat. Can. 101: 263-290. C H A L M ~ RGS . A.. and M. W. BARRETT.1977. Capture M A C F A R L A W. N ~ V. . 1976. Water and electrolytes in domestic myopathy in pronghorns in Alberta. Canada. J . Am. Vet. animals. In Veterinary physiology. M i f r d hy J. W . Phillis. Med. Assoc. 171: 918-923. Wright-Scientechnica. Bristol, England. COLCS.E. H. 1974. Veterinai-y clinical pathology. 2nded. W. B. MC.DONALD. L. E. 1975. Veterinary endocrinology and reproSaunders Co.. Toronto, Ont. duction. 2nd ed. Lea and Febiger. Philadelphia, PA. C O W A NI.. McT.. and P. J. B A N D Y1969. . Obsei-vations on the Mc E W A N E. 1969. Changes in the , H., and P. E. WHITEHEAD. haematology of several races of black-tailed deer (0~1oc~oilerr.s blood constituents of reindeer and car-ibou occurring with age. hcniionrrs). Can. J. Zool. 47: 1021-1024. Can. J . Zool. 47: 557-562. A., CASTRO, J . R. SWANSON. MI.ICH ~ L L G DHINDSA. D. S . , T. H . C O C H R A N , . J . , and S. S M O L I A K 1971. . Pronghor-n antelope t . Serum biochemical and elecand J . M ~ T C A I - ~1975. range characteristics and food habits in Alberta. J . Wildl. trophoretic values from four deer species and fr-om pronghorn Manage. 35: 238-250. antelope. Am. J. Vet. Res. 36: 1455-1457. N r t , N. H..C. H. H U L L J, . G . J E N K I N K. S, S T E I N B R ~ N N ~ R , ~ ~ ~ D. S.. J . M ~ T C A I - FT. E ,MCK~.AN. and T. T H O R N E . D. H. BENT.1975. Statistical package for the social sciences. DHINDSA. 1974. Comparative studies of the respiratory functions of 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York. mammalian blood. XI. Pronghorn antelope (A~itiloc,trprtr PHI-LPS. J . S. 197s. S o n o ~ pronghorn ~n hahitat in Arizun:a. RIK. tr~~~rricci~ Resp. i o ) . Physiol. 21: 297-306. Xth Anrclupc Slates Worliqhop. Jasper. Alherf:~. pp. 70-77. FRANZMANN. A. W. 1971. Comparative physiologic values in St M~1.u. 0.W, 1962. Le~rkocvlerespt7n.;t's tudisense in vilrions captive and wild bighorn sheep. J. Wildl. Dis. 7: 105-108. domestic anirnnl\. J. Am. Vcl. Mud. ,4s?ioc. 140: 557-563. 1972. Environmental sources of variation of bighorn S ~ - H A0. I . W.. ~ ~ .N. C. J ~ r h .and . li. 1. CARAUL. 1973. Vrtcrisheep physiologic values. J. Wildl. Manage. 36: 924-932. nary hernatolrwy. 3rd cd. Lei1 and Fehiger. Philiidclphia. PA. 1977. Condition assessment of Alaskan Moose. Proc. S F A I .U. . S . . and R. 1.. HOSKINSOK. 1978. Metabolic indicator5 13th North American Moose Conference and Wor-kshop, of khhihl conditiun and captllrr: stress in pi.iinghorns. J. Jasper, Alta. pp. 119-127. Wildl. Mitnagc. 43: 754-763. F R A N Z M A NA. N , W., A. F L Y N Nand , P. D. A R N ~ S O N 1975. . $ I - A L . U. 5.. L. D. ME(H . i ~ n d V . VAN B A L I . E N B ~ R G H 1975. I:. Serum corticoid levels relative to handling stress in Alaska 131outI analyse* of wolf pups and their ccol~>gicaland moose. Can. J. Zool. 53: 1424- 1426. melabolic intcrprt.ra!inn. J. Mummill. 56: 64-75. . Physiologic TASKFR. F R A N Z M A NA. N . W.. and E. T. T H O K N E1970. J . B. 1971. I;lui(i%.elec~rtltvtcsand acid-base balirncc. ) capture, values in wild bighorn sheep (Oris r o n n d ~ n s i s at In Clinical hiochemisu-y of drrmeclic animals. Vol. 1. k-~dirrd after- handling and after captivity. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. In J. J. Kitncku itnd C. E. Cornelius. Asi~rlernicPress. New 157: 647-650. York. HARTSOOK, E. W., J. B. W H ~ L A N and , M. A. ONDIK.1975. THORNE,E. T. 1975. Normal body temperature of pronghorn Changes in blood proteins of deer during gestation and suckantelope and mule deer. J. Mammal. 56: 697-698. ling. J . Wildl. Manage. 39: 346-354. TROUT,L. E. 1976. Blood analysis of Idaho pronghorns. Proc. HOFF, G . L., and D. 0. T R A I N ~ 1975. R . Blood glucose and 7th Antelope States Workshop. Twin Falls, ID. pp. 122-125. uralogical parameters of free-ranging south Texas white- TUMBLESON, M. E., J . D. C U N ~ I O and , D. A. MURPHY.1970. tailed deer. Southwest. Vet. 28: 25-26. Serum biochemical and hematological parameters of captive HOUPT,T. R. 1970. Water. electrolytes and acid-base balance. white-tailed deer fiiwns. Can. J. Cnmp. Med. 34: 66-71, In Dukes physiology of domestic animals. Mitrd by M. J. V A L T G HH. ~ ~ W., . R. R. K N ~ C ~ Hand T . F. W. Fn,rnK. 1973. A Swenson. Cornell University Press. Ithaca. NY. st11dy of reprcductiun. diseuse and physiological h l r d and H. E.. W. G. YOUAT.I-. L. D. FAY.H. D. HART^, and JOHNSON. serum v:ilues in Irlahoelk. J. Wildl. Wis. 9: 296301. D. E. ULLREY.1968. Hematological values of Michigan of WHIT^. M.. and K. S. C r ) l l ~ .1974. Blood char;~ctcristi~s white-tailed deer. J. Mammal. 49: 749-754. free-ranging white-t;tilcil deer in southern Texas. J . Wildl. KITTS,W. D., P. J . BANDY.A. J . WOOD,and 1. MrT. C O W A N . Dis. 10: 18-24. 1956. Effect of age and plane of nutrition on the blood YOUATT.W. G . , L. J. V ~ R M and~ D. , E. ULLREY.1965. Comchemistry of the Columbian black-tailed deer (O~loc~oilerrs position of milk and blood in nursing white-tailed does and hcmionus c~o1umhitrnu.s).A. Packed-cell volume, sedimentablood composition of their fawns. J. Wildl. Manage. 29: tion rate, and hemoglobin. Can. J . Zool. 34: 477-484. 79-84. L t R ~ s ~ H R. E , E.. U. S . SF.AL,P. D. KARNS,and A. W.

Hematological and clinicochemical values for free-ranging pronghorn fawns.

Hematological and clinicochemical values for free-ranging pronghorn fawns MORLEYW. BARRE-I-TI Fish trliti Wildlife Diri.riott, Alho.trr Dc,prrr+tr7lrr...
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