Hematology and serum chemistry values of the lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) raised in Patagonian farms (Argentina)

CHANG REISSIG E.; ROBLES C.A.; SAGER R.

JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

Lugar: Lawrence; Año: 2002 vol. 33 p. 328 - 331

1042-7260

Hematologic and serum chemistry values were determined for chicks, juveniles and adult farmed lesser rheas (Pterocnemia pennata). Blood samples were taken during March ? April 1998 from the brachial veins of lesser rhea, including 64 chicks, 24 juveniles, and 36 adults, raised in Patagonian farms (Argentina). Lesser rhea chicks had significantly lower erythrocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red cell indices, and copper than the juveniles and adult individuals. No significant differences were observed between females and males. Most values were similar to those reported for other ratites. The data obtained provide hematologic and serum chemistry values for lesser rhea from farms.