Hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the captive long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) in Iran.

Background: Although normal haematological and serum biochemical values for both pet and wild birds have been published, little information is available on the haematological and serum biochemical values in long-legged buzzards (Buteo rufinus).

Objectives: This is the first study that aimed to define reference values of haematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions of long-legged buzzards in Iran.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 30 clinically healthy adult long-legged buzzards of both sexes. Hematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions were measured. The mean and standard deviations were calculated.

Results: Mean values for red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cells were 2.72 ± 0.60 ×10 /μl, 39.10 ± 3.70%, 13.45 ± 1.30 g/dl, and 3.92 ± 1.39 ×10 /μl, respectively. Mean values for biochemistry parameters were total protein 4.46 ± 1.27 g/dl, albumin 1.78 ± 0.55 g/dl, creatinine 0.54 ± 0.22 mg/dl, uric acid 7.81 ± 2.89 mg/dl, calcium 9.63 ± 2.22 mg/dl, phosphorus 4.31 ± 1.00 mg/dl, glucose 398.87 ± 96.90 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen 10.46 ± 3.85 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 127.01 ± 1.46 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase 262.22 ± 116.30 IU/L, and alanine aminotransferase 56.63 ± 27.85 IU/L. Mean values for serum protein fractions included pre-albumin, albumin, α-1 globulin, α-2 globulin, β- globulin, and ϒ-globulin was 0.20 ± 0.09, 2.35 ± 0.67, 0.28 ± 0.13, 0.32 ± 0.07, 0.62 ± 0.24, and 0.68 ± 0.53 g/dl, respectively.

Conclusion: The reference data presented in this study can be used as health assessment values for veterinary laboratories and clinicians when developing release criteria for rehabilitated long-legged buzzards.